Global Flirt can continue Justin Warwick’s successful transfer from harness racing to the gallops in the G2 Perth Cup on New Year’s Day.

The McFlirt stayer completed a hat-trick in the LR Towton Cup (2200m) at Ascot on Saturday when a narrow winner over Bridgestone (Pentire) and Moonlight Bay (Catbird).  “He should get over more ground,” Warwick said.  “He’s an ideal horse to train – big, athletic and he can lengthen stride when let down.”

Global Flirt (6g McFlirt – Majestic Belle by Metal Storm) will be nominated to have his next start at weight-for-age in the G2 C B Cox Stakes (2100m) on December 22.  “He’s a relaxed horse and is heading in right direction,” Warwick continued.  “And I think there’s more improvement in him leading up to the Perth Cup.”

Warwick, 42, was a champion trainer-reinsman at Gloucester Park before changing codes.  His current team at Myalup also includes class mare Rosie Rocket who was G1 placed in the Railway Stakes last month.

Global Flirt is bred on the same McFlirt – Metal Storm cross as boom galloper Accelarometer.  His dam Majestic Belle won four races around the Avon Valley circuit but has been a difficult breeder for owners Lex and Shirley Piper.

Majestic Belle didn’t have a live foal for four years after the Towton Cup winner.  She delivered a McFlirt filly last year but slipped again when bred back to Danehill Express.

McFlirt (NZ) stands for a $3,300 (inc gst) fee at Mungrup Stud.  He is a stakes winning son of Kaapstad and has sired the winners of 280 races and over $5.51 million in prizemoney since retiring to the Great Southern property a decade ago.

– Karl Patterson

McFLIRT