Jolly Patient With Adelaide Pair

Tuesday, 03 September 2002 00:00

Morphettville trainer David Jolly remains undecided whether to run promising gelding Phyll The Flyer at Morphettville either tomorrow or Saturday.

The four-year-old is entered for tomorrow’s Harvey Norman Class 4 Handicap (1100m) and is a late nomination at headquarters for a 1050m event on Saturday.

Phyll The Flyer was heavily backed on debut at Murray Bridge late last month on the strength of a trial win at Morphettville.

After missing the start, the gelding quickly gathered speed and, despite racing greenly around the turn, strode away for a comfortable win.

"He’s still got a lot to learn but he’s a pretty promising type," Jolly said. "It’s hard to go from a maiden to a Class 4 or city race but he’s not overly big and I think it’s better he take on the tougher race with a light weight."

Jolly has been extremely patient with Phyll The Flyer, delaying his debut until he had had time to mature.

"He’s been in and out of work a number of times because he’s been immature," Jolly said. "We didn’t really want to rush him and I think the owners have been rewarded by his belated debut. He’s a stout little thing and I think he’ll develop into a handy sprinter."

Meanwhile, Jolly is also being patient with Goodwood Handicap winner Zip Zip Aray, who won’t make his spring debut until the $250,000 Group 2 National Telecoms Group Sprint (1100m) at Caulfield on Caulfield Cup day, October 19.

Jolly reports the gelding has returned in fine order but, showing patience that belies his years, doesn’t want to rush him back into racing.

"Like Phyll The Flyer, Zip Zip Aray has also been an immature type and I’m in no hurry to rush him back," Jolly said. "We considered races like the Vic Health Cup because I’ve no doubt he’ll make a 1400m horse but after the carnival here in May I wanted to give him a decent break.

"He’ll return first-up in the Group Sprint on Caulfield Cup day and then go to the Group 1 Salinger Stakes at Flemington on Derby day. I think it’s a better program for him and we’ll have plenty to look forward to in the autumn."

Zip Zip Aray, owned and bred by South Australian hoteliers Wayne and Jenny Francis, has started twice on straight tracks for a win and an excellent fourth in the Listed KMPG Stakes in April.

"The Salinger is a tough 1200m and probably suits 1400m run-on type horses better," Jolly said. "That’s what he’s looking for and he’ll be nice and fresh. We threw him in the deep end last time in and he swam, but this is another level. He’s a lovely galloper, though, and I think he’s up to it."

Zip Zip Aray had his first hit-out at Balaklava on Cup day in an exhibition gallop over 1000m. He will have another run over the same trip at the barrier trials at Victoria Park next Monday. It’s always a popular morning, as the new seasons two-year-olds hit the track for the first time.

Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)