Friday, 24 August 2012: The addition of blinkers have proven to be an important gear change for the Kerry Parker-trained Flying Distraction as attempts to rise through the grades.
Flying Distraction will be trying for back to back wins at Nowra on Sunday after a successful trip to Bathurst to win her maiden on August 13.
Kembla Grange trainer Kerry Parker says adding the ‘shades’ to Flying Distraction for the first time at Bathurst resulted in her three-quarter length win over 1800m.
“I thought the start before at Goulburn she threw the race away by switching off mid race,” Parker said.
“She had kept finding the line each run she’s had for me so I put the blinkers on at Bathurst with happy results.
“The blinkers keep her focused.
“It was a strong win at Bathurst. She hit the line really well.”
Flying Distraction, formerly trained by Kris Lees, will have her fourth start for Parker in the Southern Cross Garages Class 1 (1600m) on Sunday.
The Bathurst success was the mare’s first in 10 starts but Parker believes more wins are in store.
Since moving to Kembla Grange, the mare’s temperament has settled down.
“She’s definitely got a nasty streak in her,” Parker said. “They warned us before we got her.
“She can kick and bite you if you’re unaware. Now she’s been her a while she’s settled down a lot, especially temperament wise.”
Parker is hoping the pace is on Sunday.
“At Bathurst they rolled along up front. That’s suits Flying Distraction,” he said.
“If they keep the tempo on I think she will run very well on Sunday.
“She has cruised along lovely since her last win.
“Coming back to 1600 metres isn’t ideal but provided they get along, she should be okay.
“I think she’ll get 2000 metres plus but it’s one step at a time at the moment.”
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