Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Yuuki will chase her first black-type result in Saturday’s Listed Lightning Stakes over 1050 metres at Morphettville. Bendigo trainer Tim Fitzsimmons has planned the trip for six months, with the filly’s future breeding worth adding extra importance to the race.
The three-year-old has won twice from nine starts and enters the set-weights contest after a winning 700-metre jump-out at Bendigo on July 14. She has drawn wide, but softer conditions could help her produce her best finish.
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Long-Term Plan Reaches Race Day
Yuuki broke her maiden at Swan Hill before adding another victory at Seymour. She then finished sixth behind Cruiserweight at Swan Hill on June 7 after racing four wide without cover.
“She’s going really well,” Tim Fitzsimmons stated.
“She didn’t have much luck at her last start when she was four-wide with no cover at Swan Hill, but that has proven to be a pretty strong form race with Cruiserweight coming out and winning and her form was pretty hard to fault before that.”
Tim Fitzsimmons believes Yuuki’s form has been stronger than her record suggests. The filly has previously met Point Barrow, Celtics and Cruiserweight, while maiden rival Scoobartie later recorded two convincing wins.
“We’re chasing some ‘Black Type’ as the owner wants to breed with her eventually and this has been a long-range plan. We planned this race six months ago.”
Kyle Wilson-Taylor Takes Morphettville Rides
Queensland jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor will ride Yuuki and stablemates Olatunde and Blazing Sword at Morphettville. Tim Fitzsimmons secured the jockey after Michael Rodd was unavailable.
Tim Fitzsimmons worked with Kyle Wilson-Taylor during his time in Singapore, where the jockey rode Golden Monkey.
“I like the way he rides, he’s a patient rider, and he jumped at the opportunity, so it was good to lock someone in early and not have to worry about it.”
Official fields and results are available through the Racing South Australia website.