Nigel has held Exclusive Lass in very high regard since the early days in her career. In the Autumn as a three-year-old filly, she showed glimpses of her class by winning once and placing twice, before running a creditable race in the Group 2 Kewney Stakes at Flemington. That was her only unplaced run. Perhaps she was not quite ready physically and mentally for that class of race over 1400m (Wawail, Sabatini and Vezalay ran 1,2,3). So her effort pleased Nigel and connections, but also encouraged Nigel to give her a good break.
A good break she had, returning to our Flemington stable and progressing to two very nice jump outs at Flemington – winning both. Her first two placings this preparation were solid performances. She felt the hard track a little in her first-up run, then was held up significantly rounding the turn and in the early part of the straight at her second run.
Knowing there were some excuses for not winning one or both of her first starts this preparation, we were confident she would run a bold race at Moonee Valley on Friday night. Nigel elected to apply the blinkers just to give her a touch more confidence and focus to burst through any gaps that may present. With the exception of her being a little tardy out of the barriers, the race was largely run exactly how we predicted. Michael Walker positioned her well just behind the leaders and gained a vital split at the right time rounding the corner.
Exclusive Lass proved she is better than benchmark 70 grade with a commanding three length victory.
We are fortunate to train this filly for a great group of owners – long time clients of ours. They partnered with renowned bloodstock agent Sheamus Mills of Sheamus Mills Bloodstock, to purchase Exclusive Lass at the 2013 Inglis Premier Sale (Melbourne). Well selected! We are confident she can keep delivering the fun and excitement throughout her career.
Watch the replay here…over and over if you wish!
(Thanks to slickpixvic.com.au for images)