FLUENT SECURES FIRST VICTORY FOR THE FLEMINGTON STABLE

Talented mare Fluent secured her first win of this campaign, taking out the Sportsbet More Places Handicap for the fillies and mares over 1200 metres at Sandown.

Having endured little luck with barrier draws this preparation, the mare was narrowly beaten at Sandown at her previous start after being forced to race wide without cover. Returning in search of redemption, she capitalised on a more favourable run and duly delivered, recording the stable’s first metropolitan success of the year and a third career victory for the four-year-old daughter of Shamus Award

In the capable hands of Harry Coffey, Fluent jumped cleanly from barrier eight and settled fifth, three wide with cover. Travelling sweetly throughout, she was well poised as the field turned for home. Displaying a sharp turn of foot, she quickly closed on the leaders, drawing level at the 200-metre mark before digging deep over the concluding stages to score by three-quarters of a length.

Trainer Andrew Noblet was quick to praise the mare post-race, noting that Fluent has thrived since settling into the Flemington environment and appears to have strengthened both mentally and physically this preparation. Coffey, who judged the ride to perfection, described her as “a little ripper” in his post-race remarks — a fitting tribute to a mare who continues to reward patience and perseverance.

With confidence restored and conditions to suit, Fluent now shapes as a mare capable of building further momentum as her campaign gathers pace.