Trainer Joe Pride wants rain to arrive for In Flight in Group 3 Monash Stakes at Caulfield

Trainer Joe Pride is hoping the Melbourne weather forecast is accurate when in-form mare In Flight tackles her first Group race in the Monash Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

In Flight (right) will contest the Group 3 Monash Stakes at Caulfield after winning her past two in Listed grade, including the Bob Charley AO Stakes last start. Picture: Getty Images

A potentially wet week in Melbourne is ideal timing for Sydney sprinter In Flight when she steps up to Group racing for the first time.

Trainer Joe Pride’s in-form mare is set to line up in the Group 3 Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday after back-to-back Listed wins in May.

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In Flight won the Bright Shadow Quality on a Heavy 8 track at Doomben before a tough victory in the Bob Charley AO Stakes at Randwick in Soft 7 conditions.

Pride has freshened the four-year-old with a month between runs a barrier trial.

He said a track in the soft range would be perfect for In Flight, who has won seven of 12 starts on rain-affected surfaces.

“She had a nice tick-over trial at Kembla last week,” Pride said.

“She seems to going really good, I’m very happy with the way she’s come through that. It was a nice trial from her.

“I’m looking for a little bit of rain down there hopefully this week and if we get that, that would really suit her.”

A tough win to In Flight in the Listed Bob Charley AO Stakes at Randwick for @PrideRacing! 🚀 @ProvenTbreds@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/oCxTvB5sNq

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 7, 2025

Caulfield was rated a Good 4 on Tuesday but showers are forecast for the rest of the week.

Pride said he was confident In Flight would measure up in the weight-for-age contest.

“She’s a really nice mare. She’s done everything right,” he said.

“It’s a little step up in grade although I think that Listed race in Sydney was pretty strong, so there won’t be too much difference.

“She’s stepping up to weight-for-age but everything about her tells me she’s going really well, so she’ll run well.”

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Pride said he will be guided by how In Flight pulls up after the Monash before deciding whether to find another target or give her a break after three runs in three states.

“That might be enough for her … but we’ll see how she comes through it first.”

Pride, meanwhile, was excited about welcoming Group 1-winning colt El Castello to his stable last week.

He confirmed the Spring Champion Stakes winner would still be aimed at the $10m Golden Eagle (1500m) on November 1 after taking over his training from Anthony Cummings.

El Castello missed the autumn carnival with a few minor issues after a long spring campaign.

“He’s a really nice horse, he’s come to me in good shape,” Pride said.

“He’s had the autumn off so it sets him up well for a good spring.

“We’re very happy with the way he’s arrived at the stable, a very nice colt.”

Originally published as Trainer Joe Pride wants rain to arrive for In Flight in Group 3 Monash Stakes at Caulfield