Those of us who live in Victoria, know Lorne as the delightful eclectic beachside town on the Great Ocean Road. For those interested in racing however, Lorne is also the name of an athletically built 2yo filly who will start her racing career next Sunday. The location? The exquisite, Clairefontaine track on the beautiful Normandy coast in France.
Bred at Capucine stud in France, Terry Henderson, her breeder, decided to retain her for racing. He commented, “Since she first appeared at the breaker’s, Lorne has excelled. Having then completed her early education, this lovely filly is now poised to successfully commence her race career.”
Placed into the care of young Chantilly based trainer, Mario Baratti, Lorne, a daughter of the Aga Khan sire, Dariyan, has impressed in her trackwork. To Mario, she has the breeding and galloping characteristics to be considered a promising 2000m prospect.
Dariyan had 10 individual winners as 2yos from his first crop. This filly, from his second crop, appears destined to continue that success. Lorne’s dam, Height of Summer, a half-sister to Group 1 winner I’m a Dreamer, has already produced 3 winners from her 4 foals.
At this time of year in France, European trainers are looking to assess their 2yo’s with the view of giving them race experience while measuring their talent for the 3yo classics. On what he has seen to date, Mario expects Lorne to be competitive at 2 and lay the foundation for a fruitful 3yo season.
With luck, many of Lorne’s owners may get to France next year to see her run. However, should they wait a year longer, they may well see the filly race in the Australian state that provided her name!
Should you like more information, contact oti@oti.com.au