Robbie Griffiths had said on Monday that four-year-old Girl In Flight might contest the 2014 Railway Stakes on Saturday week after a strong finish in the Group 2 Momentum Energy Stakes (2000m), however the trainer ruled out a trip to Perth for the mare on Friday morning.
Girl In Flight will no longer join Angelic Light (pictured) in Perth for the Summer Racing Carnival. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.
Speaking to Racing Victoria on Monday, Griffiths said the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) was worth a look at for Girl In Flight despite her lack of credentials. The race looked less than strong this year due to many top horses from the eastern states choosing not to go, which made it the perfect fit for the mare.
However the trainer now believes another run would be too much for Girl In Flight and she will no longer join her Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m)-bound stable mate Angelic Flight on the plane to Perth on Friday morning.
“We just thought another run would be a bit too much and we’ve put her in the paddock and she’ll get ready for the autumn,” Griffiths said.
Girl In Flight was a $21 shot in the Railway Stakes betting market at Ladbrokes.com.au before she was withdrawn from contention while Angelic Light remains favourite for the 2014 Winterbottom Stakes, seeing his price firm from $4 into $3.50, ahead of Moment Of Change ($6) and Magnifisio ($8).
The four-year-old mare won the Group 3 Schweppervescence Stakes (1800m) back in April before finishing end of the field in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m). When she returned five months later in the spring, she missed out on her first three starts before a fast finishing run in the 2014 Momentum Energy Stakes on Emirates Stakes Day at Flemington saw her just a nose off the winner. She looked the winner at the 300m and was only grabbed by Suavito in the final few strides.
After four runs since early October, Girl In Flight will be sent to the spelling paddock for a hard-earned break before returning in the autumn.
Earlier this morning, Darren Weir also confirmed that Lucky Hussler will not be making the trip to Perth for the 2014 Railway Stakes either.
With just over one week to go until the 2014 Perth Summer Racing Carnival begins, make sure your Ladbrokes.com.au online betting account is up and running.
