Pride of Jenni’s speed could launch Idle Flyer

Sydney trainer Matt Smith hopes Pride Of Jenni will ramp up the pressure in Saturday’s Empire Rose Stakes because it will give emerging miler Idle Flyer exactly what she wants.

The daughter of Dundeel has arrived in Melbourne for the Group 1 mile having earned her right to be there with three wins from four starts this spring.

She has used a savage turn of foot to win her way from benchmark 72 grade to become a Group 3 winner in the Angst Stakes last time out.

It has fulfilled Smith’s expectations of the four-year-old and he loves the fact there will be a lot of pressure on Saturday.

“The faster they go the better for her,” Smith said. “She can really reel off a big sprint and Pride of Jenni being there suits us because she will enjoy the speed.”

“She just can’t let her too far in front, which we learned against Perfumist two runs back. Idle Flyer need to be close enough to challenge”

Idle Flyer was cutting in the margin as Perfumist went faster time than Autumn Glow over the mile on Epsom day and then turned the tables at their next start.

“She was always a nice horse, but she just got a bit hot at the end of her last preparation when we tried her in some good races [the Surround Stakes and Kembla Grange Classic],” Smith said.

“She has come back a more settled horse and we are seeing what she can do.”

“She has taken it all in her stride this time and just keeps improving.”

“It is a big step up to a Group 1, but the way she is going I’m confident she can be in the finish.”

Smith has booked Mick Dee to ride Idle Flyer in the Empire Rose with Zac Lloyd committed to ride Linebacker in the Golden Eagle at Randwick on Saturday.

“I like to use Melbourne jockeys in Melbourne and I think he will suit her,” Smith said. “It is a test but I think she is up to it.”