Turf not an issue for Fly My Flag

The lengthy period in which the turf track at Fairview was unavailable, means the recent form of some horses is permeated with races on the Polytrack.

As a result, it is difficult to assess how some runners will adapt to racing on the turf.

That particularly applies to Fly My Flag who lines up today in Race 5, a MR 93 Handicap over 1400m. The Sharon Kotzen-trained fi lly has only raced five times for three wins and a third place.

Her only run on turf came on debut and that was not particularly encouraging.

It is worth noting, though, that race was the Listed East Cape Nursery over 1200m on 5 June, and she was sent off at 50-1.

A closer analysis of the run indicates it was not as bad as the 11.25-length defeat indicates. Firstly, the race was won by Global Drummer, who has now triumphed in six of his seven starts and secondly, Fly My Flag finished just 4.25 lengths behind fourthplaced Byridge, who went off favourite for the race.

When Fly My Flag next came out, in a Maiden Plate open to both colts and fi llies over 1200m on the Polytrack in August, she was backed from 11-2 into 12-10, and although reported to have been “nervous”, she raced away from the opposition to win by 8.25 lengths.

On that basis, and despite racing on the turf and against the colts again, Fly My Flag – a full sister to eight-time winner Kangaroo Jack – looks a good bet to win this race.

Luyolo Mxothwa, who has ridden her to two of her three wins, is back on board.

If you look beyond her there is no shortage of challengers, headed up by Beethoven, who has performed well on the turf.