Sandown Preview: Can He Fly On A Firm Track?

THE third clash of Detonator Jack and Green Fly this preparation is the highlight of Saturday’s Sandown Hillside program.

The scorecard stands at one apiece with Detonator Jack having won the first clash over 1400 metres at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day with Green Fly finishing an unlucky fifth.

Green Fly squared the ledger on Ballarat Cup Day when the son of Frankel flew home down the outside rail to defeat Detonator Jack over 1400 metres.

This time the pair step up to 1600 metres and although it’s December both gallopers have the potential to be a factor in Group races in the future.

Co-trainer of Green Fly, Sam Freedman identified Detonator Jack as the danger again when he spoke on RSN on Thursday morning.

“Green Fly and Detonator Jack are progressive horses going through the grades. We are trying to get Green Fly’s ratings up as we want him to get into some nice races over autumn on soft ground,” Freedman said.

Freedman said on Saturday they would find out whether he could handle a firm track.
“He hasn’t done a lot of work on firm ground, but he trialled nicely enough at his first trial on that ground. We’re excited to see how he goes and whether he can replicate his form on firm ground,” Freedman said.

Green Fly was ridden by Ben Melham at Ballarat and apprentice Matt Cartwright will ride on Saturday. View TOPSPORT Racing Markets Here!

“He’s a horse who loves soft conditions. We think he’s capable of getting to listed or group class races,” Freedman said.

Freedman said Green Fly had stepped straight off the plane from France and in to work and his coat was still confused as he had a full winter coat.

“We think he can get to a decent level on heavy ground and get him into a decent Sydney race but we need to get his ratings up.”

Detonator Jack is a $1.80 favourite with TopSport and Green Fly is a $2.80 chance.

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