08-07-2025
Trainer Joe Pride wants rain to arrive for In Flight in Group 3 Monash Stakes at Caulfield
A potentially wet week in Melbourne is ideal timing for Sydney sprinter In Flight when she steps up to Group racing for the first time.
Trainer Joe Pride 's in-form mare is set to line up in the Group 3 Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday after back-to-back Listed wins in May.
In Flight won the Bright Shadow Quality on a Heavy 8 track at Doomben before a tough victory in the Bob Charley AO Stakes at Randwick in Soft 7 conditions.
Pride has freshened the four-year-old with a month between runs a barrier trial.
He said a track in the soft range would be perfect for In Flight, who has won seven of 12 starts on rain-affected surfaces.
'She had a nice tick-over trial at Kembla last week,' Pride said.
'She seems to going really good, I'm very happy with the way she's come through that. It was a nice trial from her.
'I'm looking for a little bit of rain down there hopefully this week and if we get that, that would really suit her.'
A tough win to In Flight in the Listed Bob Charley AO Stakes at Randwick for @PrideRacing! 🚀 @ProvenTbreds @aus_turf_club
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 7, 2025
Caulfield was rated a Good 4 on Tuesday but showers are forecast for the rest of the week.
Pride said he was confident In Flight would measure up in the weight-for-age contest.
'She's a really nice mare. She's done everything right,' he said.
'It's a little step up in grade although I think that Listed race in Sydney was pretty strong, so there won't be too much difference.
'She's stepping up to weight-for-age but everything about her tells me she's going really well, so she'll run well.'
Pride said he will be guided by how In Flight pulls up after the Monash before deciding whether to find another target or give her a break after three runs in three states.
'That might be enough for her … but we'll see how she comes through it first.'
Pride, meanwhile, was excited about welcoming Group 1-winning colt El Castello to his stable last week.
He confirmed the Spring Champion Stakes winner would still be aimed at the $10m Golden Eagle (1500m) on November 1 after taking over his training from Anthony Cummings.
El Castello missed the autumn carnival with a few minor issues after a long spring campaign.
'He's a really nice horse, he's come to me in good shape,' Pride said.
'He's had the autumn off so it sets him up well for a good spring.
'We're very happy with the way he's arrived at the stable, a very nice colt.'
