In Her Time well backed for Everest, but Sydney Stakes is likely
NEWCASTLE-based trainer Ben Smith is positive In Her Time won’t be running in The Everest this Saturday, despite the mare attracting attention from punters.
The five-year-old opened at $26 for the $10 million race and was quickly backed into $16 at CrownBet.com.au, but Smith is preparing his runner for the Sydney Stakes (Everest Consolation) before planning a group one preparation for the talented runner.
In Her Time was one of four emergencies for The Everest, which sparked controversy this week, but Smith’s plans remain unchanged with In Her Time, which is looking to score another win after recording a stellar victory in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes last start.
“I wouldn’t imagine she’d get a start in The Everest,” Smith told Horsebetting.com.au. “She’s come through the Premiere Stakes better than I expected.”
Smith wasn’t going to line up In Her Time in the Sydney Stakes ($3 at Neds.com.au), but its recovery since winning at Randwick was been superb and it deserves another chance to impress.
“I weighed her this morning and she’s put on a solid 8kgs since than run last Saturday, so we were pondering whether to go around on Saturday or head straight to Melbourne, but she’s pulled up well and we’ll go to Randwick,” said Smith, who has the Manikato Stakes planned.
“She’ll then head straight to the Manikato Stakes. That was the main target early on as we were looking to space her runs, but we’ll give her an extra run in the Sydney Stakes before going to the Manikato.”
The daughter of Time Thief has been a model of consistency throughout its career, which has included quality performances in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, Stradbroke Handicap and the Tatt’s Tiara. A string of outside barriers has made it tough, but it showed its true class when drawing the rails last start.
“The time she ran in the Premiere Stakes was slick from a good alley at last,” Smith said. “She’s drawn a touch awkwardly on Saturday (9), but it shouldn’t worry her too much.
“Hopefully she can get the job done and then head down to Melbourne and get some luck there.”
Smith has plans to keep In Her Time in Melbourne following the Manikato Stakes for a potential run in the Darley Classic. It would be the first time running down the Flemington straight, but Smith has been confident all along that it will handle the straight.
“If she pulls up terrifically in the Manikato we might have a crack at the Darley at the end of the carnival,” a flu-stricken Smith said. “She should be able to stay out of trouble (down the straight), but we’ll have to wait and see.”
In Her Time is currently $11 at Sportsbet.com.au for the Manikato Stakes on October 27, which runs a day before the 2017 Cox Plate.
2017 Sydney Stakes betting
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