Learning To Fly returns to the races for the first time since her Golden Slipper mishap and trainer Annabel Neasham won’t be making excuses on the score of fitness.

The three-year-old is among the star attractions for the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday, looking to make up for lost time after missing the spring with a minor pastern injury suffered in the Slipper scrimmage.

But there is no softly, softly approach to her return.

When asked if she was wary Learning To Fly could be vulnerable first-up, Neasham’s answer was a succinct “no”.

“She had that injury and we got her back into work when she was ready, but there was nothing for her,” Neasham said.

“But it was good to get that base work into her, then we backed off her and reset for these two races coming up.”

The Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) two weeks from Saturday is the second part of Neasham’s early autumn template for Learning To Fly, and she has left no stone unturned in the filly’s preparation.

The multiple stakes winner had an exhibition gallop at Randwick last Saturday to simulate the race day experience and Neasham said it had the desired effect.

“Learning To Fly had both of her trials at home so I just wanted to give her an away day to get the nervous energy out of her before the Light Fingers,” she said.

“She can get on her toes a little bit, but that’s why I was keen to get her away.

“She was a real professional out there, she was under a double grip and she looked to be extending really well.”

Regular rider Chad Schofield put her through her paces in the workout and reunites with her on Saturday.

Like Neasham, he is bullish Learning To Fly will be a force first-up and doesn’t fear the likes of Tiz Invincible, who was dominant in the short-course fillies’ races in the spring.

“She’d want to be good,” Schofield said of Tiz Invincible.

“Looking at her (Learning To Fly’s) trials, we know she has come back really well.

“(Saturday) was just about getting her away and she handled it so nicely, she was lovely and relaxed and went through her gears really well.

“She’s a good filly and it’s good to have her back.”

The barrier draw has added spice to Saturday’s race with Tiz Invincible and Learning To Fly drawing the two outside gates in 12 and 13 respectively.