Idle Flyer has overcome an unsteady start to her season, now primed for her top-tier pursuit, utilising the Emancipation Stakes at Rosehill this weekend as an essential platform.

The virus that held back the mare’s return necessitated trainer Matthew Smith entering her at an unsuitable 1200m for the Wenona Girl Quality on March 7, though she ran a creditable fourth reflective of her ability.

With a recent barrier trial win under her belt to preserve condition, she resumes racing Saturday in the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) as the early frontrunner in betting.

“We started in a race we didn’t really want to start in because we had a few interruptions to her ‘prep,'” Smith said.

“She has been a little bit behind. Her run was good first-up, so she goes into this race fit and well, but is she at her peak yet? Probably not.

“She is ready to go, but one more and she will be cherry ripe.”

A hectic program awaits the stable, featuring Portland in the Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) and ATC Australian Derby entries Eureka Rebel and Dezignation via the Tulloch Stakes (2000m).

Positioned as outsiders, the pair of three-year-olds have proven the distance works, and Smith predicts sharper performances in the Derby over 2400m.

“Both look like they will stay really well,” he said.

“I just want to see them hitting the line. The danger in these races is you get no tempo, and then they’re not going to be suited.

“I don’t know what the Derby field will be like. I thought it might lack a bit of depth in the staying ranks, and we’d give it a shot.”

Eureka Rebel hails from Fierce Impact, the Smith-ex-handled triple Group 1 winner who thrived over sprint-to-mile distances.

Smith’s charge Mountain Queen, bred identically to the Derby hopeful Eureka Rebel, likewise signals staying aptitude with her nomination in the Australian Oaks (2400m).

“The ones by him that we’ve got showing ability are more middle-distance horses. It would be nice if we could get one through to each of the (classic) races,” Smith said.

Portland, third-up for the Neville Sellwood, squares off against notable European Barnavara, but per Smith, the gelding is primed to stretch out middle-ways on a damp track.

“He has been looking to get out to this trip,” Smith said.

“He’s not right at his top yet, but he’s on the way and this will be another step in the right direction. His work has been good, and I can’t fault him really.”

Discover sports betting options for the Emancipation Stakes through trusted racing odds providers.