Idle Flyer returns to trials ahead of King Charles campaign

Queen Of The Turf Stakes winner Idle Flyer will be among a number of stars stepping out at another key barrier trial session at Rosehill as the Matt Smith-trained mare ramps up preparations for her return.

Idle Flyer will tackle Friday’s opening 1000m Group heat, which includes ATC Australian Derby winner Green Spaces, in what will be her second and final hit-out before she resumes at Randwick on August 22.

Smith says the King Charles III Stakes (1600m) will be the mare’s initial target, ahead of a trip south.

“She will resume in either the Winx (Stakes) or the Show County (Quality),” Smith said.

“She’s going super.

“She will probably head towards the King Charles and then to Melbourne for the mares’ race, the Empire Rose Stakes.”

Idle Flyer is coming off a breakout autumn in which she captured the Emancipation Stakes (1500m) and claimed the scalps of Lady Shenandoah and Treasurethe Moment in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m).

Stablemate Headwall contests a 900m Group trial on Friday, en route to his first-up tilt at the Concorde Stakes (1000m) on September 5.

The classy sprinter captured the race last year, but has been sidelined since due to a leg injury.

Smith is hopeful he can return to his best and put his hand up to be considered for a slot in The Everest (1200m).

“The 1000 metres first-up will be ideal, and then he’ll go to The Shorts and we’ll see what happens,” Smith said.

“Hopefully he can win one of those and we’ll get a guernsey in The Everest.”

Other notable names stepping out at the trials include Group 1 winners Apocalyptic, Lazzura and Private Eye, along with promising stayer Thebudgiesmugla.