Improving three-year-old Flyball broke through for a strong maiden win at Nhill on Tuesday, courtesy of an excellent ride from jockey Jack Hill. The gelded son of Starspangledbanner settled in the second half of the field from the 1650-metre start, travelling sweetly throughout before Hill got him rolling downhill at the 400-metre mark. The run appeared at the top of the straight and Flyball moved up to hit the lead in the final 100-metres, holding off the late closers to record a half-length win. “He stepped a tad steady and I was further back than I wanted to be”, Hill said post-race. “But he was in a nice rhythm”.
“He got the runs at the right time, and he was really good through the line”.
Henry was pleased to get a win with his galloper first-up, and indicated he will step him up in distance as the campaign progresses. “I’ve always thought he’s a horse that needs ground”, Henry said. “We haven’t had him at his right trip yet, today was only a starting point, but we’ll know more about him two runs time when he gets out over further”.
Flyball will have another run at a similar trip next start before stepping out to 2000-metres and beyond later in the preparation.