The consistent Fly Lie added a third career victory at his ninth start at Bendigo on July 27. Stepping back in grade after racing in a very strong form race mid-week at Sandown, the team were confident they would see an improved performance and confident of a return to the winners stall.
The lightly raced son of Sebring has always given Freedman the impression that he will improve with the addition of blinkers, which he had applied for the first time. Freedman commented “I think he could have a metropolitan win in him on the soft ground in time.”
Freedman advised pre-race that he intended to “settle more forward if circumstances permit” but when the gates opened, Fly Lie missed the kick, which can happen with the blinkers on for the first time and the A1 plan was out the window. A patient Jarod Fry, who is now two rides for two wins on the horse, never panicked, kept Fly Lie in a good rhythm and was able navigate a path through the field, proving too good in the straight.
Fly Lie is one to keep an eye on throughout the winter months and looks to be a horse who can continue to rise through the grades.
Congratulations to all connections of Fly Lie, including Mark Hoare and his team at Pacific Thoroughbreds and Peachester Lodge who bred Fly Lie and have stayed in the ownership.