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.

“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.”