Racing: Stable newcomer steps up to the mark

With John O'Shea appointed as Darley's head trainer from next month, Steps In Time was transferred to Pride. Photo / Thinkstock

When Joe Pride took over the training of Steps In Time, his mission was to get a group one win for the mare in her final racing campaign.

Pride fulfilled the brief in the Coolmore Classic and is now aiming to further enhance her pedigree page with another group one win in Saturday's All Aged Stakes at Randwick.

With John O'Shea appointed as Darley's head trainer from next month, Steps In Time was transferred to Pride with the view it might take her until the Brisbane winter carnival to snare a win at the highest level.

A tactical training performance from Pride, who sent her to the Coolmore off a five-week break, and a vintage front-running Jim Cassidy ride helped Steps In Time win over 1500m for the first time.

"The 1400m in the All Aged is definitely her best distance," Pride said.

"It might well be her last race.

"She didn't handle the very heavy track in the TJ Smith but she has recovered well.

"Tiger Tees has also come through the TJ Smith in good order and we'll decide later in week whether he runs in Sydney or Brisbane."

The winner of the Galaxy (1100m), Tiger Tees ran fourth in the TJ Smith behind Lankan Rupee, Rebel Dane and Buffering.