Former Ben Smith trained pair In Her Time (Time Thief) and El Dorado Dreaming (Ilovethiscity) have trialled superbly at Newcastle on Wednesday ahead of their racetrack returns.
A week after being transferred from Smith stables to Kris Lees, In Her Time, who is bound for The Everest, and El Dorado Dreaming, destined for the G1 Thousand Guineas, fought out the finish in a 1000m heat.
It was In Her Time's last serious hitout before her return to the track in the G2 Premiere S. on September 29. She sat outside the pace before surging to the lead 200m out.
She looked destined to win the trial, but a sizzling final 200m from El Dorado Dreaming, saw the 3-year-old get over the top of her stablemate. The last 600m was run in 33.01s.
"She towed up to the leader quite easily. I let her roll a little bit but then with 100 to go I shut her back down." Corey Brown
“She trialled really well,” In Her Time’s jockey Corey Brown said afterwards. “She was quite keen and eager just before straightening, she towed up to the leader quite easily."
“I let her roll a little bit but then with 100 to go I shut her back down."
“El Dorado (Dreaming) was coming at me on the line but she was still well within herself.
“We ran good time, she was very clean in the wind and I’m very happy with where she’s at and the way she’s going.
“Her attitude is really good and her action’s terrific compared to what it has been previously when I’ve ridden her.”
In Her Time races in The Everest, the world's richest turf race, under the TAB's slot.
In Her Time holds the TAB slot in The Everest
Her preparation hasn't been impacted by the drama around Smith, who was provisionally suspended after a raid on his stables last week.
Having had an exhibition gallop last Friday, she was then swabbed but has been given the all clear to continue in her path by racing NSW stewards.
El Dorado Dreaming was withdrawn from Saturday's G2 Tea Rose S. after she showed a swab irregularity.
The G1 Sires Produce S winner has since been cleared to resume racing and will likely head towards the G2 Thousand Guineas Prelude on September 30.
“She could head to Melbourne to resume in the Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield then two weeks into the Thousand Guineas but we’ll make a decision in the next few days,” Lees said.
