Lucia Valentina
Dual Group One winner Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel) is ready for a first-up assault on Saturday's Gr.1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens, according to trainer Kris Lees.
The New Zealand-owned mare, who has banked more than $1.6 million for her connections, boasts one of the best fresh records in our middle-distance ranks.
The daughter of Savabeel won the 2014 Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) first-up as well as her debut in New Zealand, while also placing at her first Australian run in the Group 2 Surround Stakes.
"She's a very good fresh horse, especially given her versatility over the longer trips," Lees said of the mare that has placed in an ATC Oaks and Caulfield Cup.
"She galloped on Monday morning and worked really well, which is off the back of a nice trial win last week."
The five-year-old hasn't raced since finishing fifth in the Gr.1 Hong Kong Cup last December.
"The trip away appears to have done her no harm," said Lees.
"She's showing all the signs that she has come back in good order but I guess you never know until they step out and race."
James McDonald ride Lucia Valentina on Saturday.
The New Zealand-owned mare, who has banked more than $1.6 million for her connections, boasts one of the best fresh records in our middle-distance ranks.
The daughter of Savabeel won the 2014 Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) first-up as well as her debut in New Zealand, while also placing at her first Australian run in the Group 2 Surround Stakes.
"She's a very good fresh horse, especially given her versatility over the longer trips," Lees said of the mare that has placed in an ATC Oaks and Caulfield Cup.
"She galloped on Monday morning and worked really well, which is off the back of a nice trial win last week."
The five-year-old hasn't raced since finishing fifth in the Gr.1 Hong Kong Cup last December.
"The trip away appears to have done her no harm," said Lees.
"She's showing all the signs that she has come back in good order but I guess you never know until they step out and race."
James McDonald ride Lucia Valentina on Saturday.