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 tomorrows 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.
"Hes still got a lot to learn but hes a pretty promising type," Jolly said. "Its hard to go from a maiden to a Class 4 or city race but hes not overly big and I think its 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.
"Hes been in and out of work a number of times because hes been immature," Jolly said. "We didnt really want to rush him and I think the owners have been rewarded by his belated debut. Hes a stout little thing and I think hell develop into a handy sprinter."
Meanwhile, Jolly is also being patient with Goodwood Handicap winner Zip Zip Aray, who wont 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, doesnt want to rush him back into racing.
"Like Phyll The Flyer, Zip Zip Aray has also been an immature type and Im in no hurry to rush him back," Jolly said. "We considered races like the Vic Health Cup because Ive no doubt hell make a 1400m horse but after the carnival here in May I wanted to give him a decent break.
"Hell 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 its a better program for him and well 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. "Thats what hes looking for and hell be nice and fresh. We threw him in the deep end last time in and he swam, but this is another level. Hes a lovely galloper, though, and I think hes 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. Its always a popular morning, as the new seasons two-year-olds hit the track for the first time.
Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)