Positive approach on agenda for Frolic
Trainer Edward O’Rourke (centre) and jockey Jason Collett (left) combine with Frolic at Scone.
An unusually dry autumn has frustrated trainer Edward O’Rourke’s attempts to get Frolic back to the winner’s circle.
The Randwick trainer is desperate for rain so track conditions can finally work in favour of last year’s Golden Slipper runner-up.
Since returning as a three-year-old in February after having bone chips removed, the filly has followed a close fourth in the Group Two Light Fingers Stakes with three less impressive runs.
She heads to Saturday’s Inglis Guineas (1400m) at Scone with O’Rourke and jockey Jason Collett hoping she can be more forward in the race.
“She obviously still has ability, but it’s unfortunate she’s been getting back on fast tracks,” O’Rourke said.
“How often do you have an autumn like this? She’s a lot better when we’ve galloped on a wet track.”
Formerly trained by the now Hong Kong-based Michael Freedman, Frolic’s last win was the 2017 Group Two Reisling Stakes (1200m) on a heavy track a fortnight before the Slipper.
“It’s been frustrating. On the fast tracks you just can’t be as far back so we’re going to have to be a bit more positive and travel two or three lengths closer,” O’Rourke said.
If that works out, O’Rourke believes Frolic can bridge the gap on favourite Moss Trip, who won the Group Three J H B Carr Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 21.
Frolic was fifth, 3-1/4 lengths from the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained filly.
Collett has ridden Frolic throughout this preparation and agrees a more positive approach is required on firmer surfaces.
“Her runs have been good but she’s a backmarker, which makes it tough,” he said.
“A lot of her best results as a two-year-old were on heavy tracks.
“Now she’s struck good tracks, they’re running that bit quicker and she’s just giving them too big a start.”