Group 1 beckons Girl In Flight

Swettenham Stud graduate Girl In Flight raced her way into favouritism for the G1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) in a fortnight after a dominant victory in the final lead-up to the classic at Morphettville on Saturday. Girl In Flight (3f Commands – Rossiya by Machiavellian) won the G3 Schweppervescence Stakes (1800m) after sweeping to the lead at the top of the straight.

Jockey Matthew Allen kept her mind on the job in the final furlong for a one length victory over In Masquerade (Pentire) and May's Dream (New Approach). “That was easy,” Allen said on returning to scale. “She jumped well and, if anything, was probably travelling a bit too good so I had to make an early run. But she was strong on the line.’’

The Schweppervescence was previously known as the Auraria Stakes and fillies to go on and complete the G1 Australasian Oaks double include Grand Echezeaux (2000), Episode (1999) and La Volta (1998).

Swettenham sold Girl In Flight to Cranbourne trainer Robbie Griffiths for $60,000 at the 2012 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale and she has now earned over $236,800.

The grey filly has won 4 times in 7 starts for a partnership comprising Ron Sayers, Bob Baumann, Andrew Doyle, Frank Giacco, Janice Thomas and Belinda Emons.