Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to see how Idle Flyer performs against elite company as she kicks off her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate a potential target.

A Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) winner in the autumn, Idle Flyer will face her toughest test when she clashes with horses like Autumn Glow, Aeliana, Sheza Alibi, and Ceolwulf on Saturday.

Smith is not expecting Idle Flyer to win but hopes she can hold her own and set a good platform for her campaign.

“She’s not going to beat those horses in a 1400 metre race, so it’s really a starting point for her,” Smith said. “She’ll just get better and better into her preparation once she gets to a mile and beyond. But I’m really keen to see where she fits in. She’s had a trouble-free ‘prep’ leading into the run. Her fitness is good, and she handles a wet track, so she’ll run really well.”

Idle Flyer, a five-year-old mare with a light racing record of eight wins from 15 starts, has consistently improved with each preparation.

She made a successful transition to black-type racing 12 months ago when she won the Group 3 Angst Stakes (1600m), then built on that in the autumn to win the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) before her maiden Group 1 victory.

Smith believes her best is yet to come and states that her planned third-up run in the 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 19 will be crucial in deciding the rest of her spring campaign.

“That will be a fork in the road for us. We’ll either go to the Cox Plate or back the other way,” Smith explained. “We don’t know where the ceiling is. That Queen Of The Turf win was really good. That’s the first time we’ve really stepped her out to a proper race, and she was great, so fingers crossed she can keep going.”

Idle Flyer will be one of two stakes runners for Smith at Randwick, with Prima Bella contesting the Toy Show Quality (1100m).

Prima Bella is chasing a hat-trick of wins, and while Saturday’s Group 3 race is a significant step up, she is the third pick in early markets at $4.80 behind Apocalyptic ($2.25 fav) and Savvy Hallie ($3.80).

“I thought, if she won the other day you’ve got to have a crack at a mares’ race,” Smith commented. “It might be too tough for her, but she’s going well. She’s race fit. She’s ready, and she’ll roll forward. If she can run top four, I’ll be delighted.”

Punters checking out Australian betting sites will be keen to see Idle Flyer’s performance in the Winx Stakes.