Absolute Flirt returns with Sandown win

Trainer Danny O’Brien has celebrated Absolute Flirt’s metropolitan win at Sandown.

On the recommendation of jockey Damien Oliver, Absolute Flirt has returned from a break to post a city win at Sandown.

Trainer Danny O’Brien had the option to run the filly in maiden grade at Ballarat on Tuesday, but following a discussion with Oliver decided on Monday’s Ladbrokes Handicap (1000m).

Sent off the $4.40 favourite with Oliver aboard , Absolute Flirt recorded a 1-1/4 length win over Taraayef ($10) with Flirting ($5.50) another 2-1/2 lengths away third.

O’Brien says he listens to Oliver’s advice after the jockey partners his horses in trials and trackwork.

“He’ll say I don’t (listen), but I do. He’s very handy to have,” O’Brien said.

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“We have plenty of robust discussions about things and more often than not I’ll listen to him.

“I was potentially going to take her to Ballarat for a maiden tomorrow but Damien said no, take her to Sandown as she’d be pretty hard to beat wherever she steps out.”

Absolute Flirt had only one jump-out in preparation for Monday’s return and O’Brien said she had plenty of improvement to come.

O’Brien said he would now like to get a black-type win with the filly and is looking to the Listed Queen Adelaide Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville on May 4.

“She’s a bombproof filly that does everything right,” O’Brien said.

“Every time she’s stepped out she’s improved a little bit so hopefully she can continue on that upward curve.”