Lady Laguna headlines our weekend runners as things start to heat up ahead of the spring.
Saturday, August 13
Eagle Farm
Current Track Rating: Good
Barade
It was great to see this fellow return to the winner’s stall last start, thanks to a top training performance from Jack Bruce. With further improvement taken from that run, he should again be very competitive on Saturday. Hopefully the rain stays away, given his best performances have come on good ground.
Race 3 – 12:38pm | 2200m BM90 | T: Jack Bruce | J: Jim Byrne 57.5kg | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 4
Rosehill
Current Track Rating: Soft
Corncrake
Corncrake is set to make his long-awaited return on Saturday, after an injury-forced layoff of over two years. Given the extended break, there is little doubt that he will need the run on Saturday. Providing he stays sound, we look forward to seeing what he can do later in the preparation.
Race 7 – 2:55pm | 1800m BM78 | T: Matthew Smith | J: Joshua Parr 58kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 6
Caulfield
Current Track Rating: Good
Lady Laguna
Exciting filly Lady Laguna kicks off her spring campaign in Saturday’s G3 Quezette Stakes. On the back of two pleasing trial performances, she heads into her return in great shape. Having mixed it with Sydney’s top fillies in the autumn, we expect her to acquit herself well on Saturday.
Race 6 – 3:15pm | 1100m G3 Quezette Stakes | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Ben Melham 56kg | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 7
Gold Coast
Current Track Rating: Good
Gambu
Chris Waller has taken a steady approach with this young stayer, who remains a work in progress. Having already showed good ability in his first racing preparation, we hope that he can return a more furnished horse this time in. A victory on return would top off a great week for the family, after his half-brother Coppleson, made a winning debut for OTI connections earlier in the week.
Race 9 – 4:44pm | 1350m BM62 | T: Chris Waller | J: Luke Dittman 57.5kg | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 9
Sunday, August 14
Tramore (IRE)
Current Track Rating: Good
Knightlaila
Knightlaila strikes a suitable race in the early hours of Sunday morning (Aust time), where a forward showing is expected. Although he has mixed his form this preparation, his best would see him right in the mix here.
Race 5 – 4:00am | 2400m Handicap | T: Johnny Murtagh | J: Ben Martin Coen kg | Barrier 3 | Saddlecloth 7
Deauville (FR)
Current Track Rating: Good
Athabascan
Promising three-year-old colt Athabascan heads to Deauville on Sunday, in what appears an even contest at Listed level. The son of Almanzor has done well since his second placing last time out, and we are hopeful that he can go one better this weekend.
Race 3 – 10:33pm | 2000m Listed Prix Nureyev | T: Andre Fabre | J: 57kg | Barrier | Saddlecloth 5
Good luck to everyone involved!
