Fancify after more Black Type at Flemington
The Ciaron Maher stable is banking on race fitness giving Fancify (NZ) (Niagara) an edge when she lines up in a Stakes race at Flemington.
Fancify tackles eight opponents in the Gr.3 Aurie's Star Handicap (1200m) on Saturday, the first Stakes race of the new racing season.
Saturday's outing will be the fourth race Fancify has contested since joining the Maher team having previously been prepared at Murray Bridge by Michael Hickmott.
Under Hickmott's care, Fancify won the Gr.3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (1400m) at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week in 2024, the last time she tasted success.
Fancify did run second to Watchme Win (Harry Angel) in the Listed Wylie Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville last September while two starts back she finished second in the Gold Topaz (1200m) at Swan Hill.
At her most recent outing, Fancify led before knocking up in the straight to finish second last in the Leilani Series Final (1400m) at Flemington on July 4.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, said Fancify had also been nominated for a 1400m race on Saturday's Flemington card but elected to take on the Aurie's Star in the search of more 'Black Type'.
"We just felt coming back in trip as she had been racing pretty fresh and free, that if we can ride her back behind a couple that is her best pattern we have seen for us," Turnbull said.
"It's a small field which helps and the topweight has a lot of weight, but he is a good horse, but it's a good opportunity for her.
"Race fitness, that's her edge.
"She is Stakes performed and is well into her preparation, so rather than go back to another 1400-metre, which she would have been a proper chance in, she deserves a crack at a race like this."
Fancify will be ridden on Saturday by apprentice Jabez Johnstone, despite the race being a non-claiming affair.
Johnstone is in great form, riding a double at Caulfield last Saturday along with a four-timer at Sandown on Wednesday.
Fancify was bred by leading New Zealand racing photographer Trish Dunell.
Out of Laced Up, a Keeninsky half-sister to Group One winners Jimmy Choux and Miss Wilson, Fancify is a sibling to three other winners including Unlaced who was fourth in the Gr.2 Lowland Stakes (2100m). – RAS Newswire
