Multiple Group 1 winner Fangirl in pre-training for spring carnival comeback

Part-owner Debbie Kepitis has confirmed Fangirl is doing a variety of light exercise including dressage work before returning to trainer Chris Waller’s Rosehill stables.

Fangirl wins the Apollo Stakes.

Fangirl, Sydney’s outstanding mare, has made a complete recovery from a nasty leg wound and is already back in pre-training ahead of a spring carnival comeback.

Part-owner Debbie Kepitis confirmed Fangirl is doing a variety of light exercise including dressage work before returning to trainer Chris Waller’s Rosehill stables.

“The good news is Fangirl’s leg has healed up really well,’’ Kepitis said.

“The hope is she will run in the King Charles (III Stakes) again but until she is back trialling and racing we really don’t know.’’

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Fangirl was in ominous form ahead of the Sydney autumn carnival with a brilliant first-up win in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes and fast-finishing second in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes before she suffered the leg injury.

INCREDIBLE! 😱😱😱

FANGIRL SMASHES THEM IN THE APOLLO STAKES! 🩷@[e-mail]/E6XgMI195i

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) February 17, 2024

But Fangirl’s pleasing recovery opens up the possibility of a title defence in the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Everest Day, October 19.

This would set up a stellar showdown with the exciting frontrunner Pride Of Jenni, a spectacular winner of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes during The Championships last month.

In early TAB Fixed Odds betting on the King Charles III Stakes, Fangirl and Pride Of Jenni are equal favourites at $4.50 ahead of Doncaster Mile winner Celestial Legend at $6, then Via Sistina ($8) and Mr Brightside ($11).

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FANGIRL STORMS AWAY WITH KING CHARLES III! 👑@[e-mail]/fSH4jn5uVU

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 14, 2023

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Kepitis also revealed Riff Rocket, winner of the Victoria Derby, Rosehill Guineas and ATC Australian Derby at Group 1 level this season, has also returned to light training alongside stablemate Fangirl.

Riff Rocket has the potential to develop into an outstanding weight-for-age horse after an outstanding classic season that has him in the box seat for Champion Three-year-old honours.

“You dream of course, Riff Rocket could be anything, but we have to see how he comes back,’’ Kepitis said.

“Chris has a couple of different plans with Riff Rocket in the spring, he’s starting with a blank canvas and will let the horse tell him the most suitable races.’’

Originally published as Multiple Group 1 winner Fangirl in pre-training for spring carnival comeback