It seems as though everyone who has had a bit to do with Learning To Fly quickly developed a high opinion of her ahead of her third start in the Reisling Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
The fast-developing star filly for the Annabel Neasham stable is a worthy $1.80 favourite across betting sites, but punters might see that as good value.
She was simply stunning in her two career wins to date – the Inglis Millennium and Widden Stakes.
This week her jockey Chad Schofield said the two-year-old was a standout right from the first time he got on her.
And Kia Ora’s bloodstock and breeding manager, Shane Wright, was also very impressed from the first time he laid eyes on her.
“We’ve had a good opinion of her for a little while now, and it was a very dominant win in the Widden Stakes,” the representative from one of her part-owning entities told HorseBetting.com.au.
“When she drew barrier 19 (for the Inglis Millennium) there were a lot of conversations on what we should do.
“But a good horse will overcome bad barriers, and she did just that.
“Annabel said she pulled up very well and she’s very happy with her.”
Wright said Learning To Fly was deserving of all the hype and favouritism for the Golden Slipper on March 18.
“With two-year-olds you take every day as it comes, but we couldn’t be happier with what she’s done and what she’s doing,” he said.
“There are a lot of good two-year-olds this year, but she’s proved she deserves to be up there with them.
“Fingers crossed she has a good couple of weeks heading into the Slipper and we can put in a good showing on the day.”
Indeed, the Justify from Ennis Hill has sought-after pedigree, and Wright believes her success Down Under could lead to Coolmore sending her back to Australia sometime soon.
“She’s probably the highlight (of the Justifies across the country) at the minute. But there were some nice Justifies last year,” Wright said.
“We bought two last year and one this year. He covered an incredible book of mares.
“Learning To Fly definitely proves he can get a good one.
“I don’t know the case myself, but I’d be very surprised if Coolmore doesn’t bring him back.”
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