Lady of Flanders won her maiden 12 months ago at Sale, in the style of a talented filly. With Spring racing firmly on their minds, Nigel and Breeder/Owner Ross Wilkinson were a touch disappointed that a minor setback restricted her racing in late 2017 and early 2018.
Returning to training in 2018, a bigger, stronger, more mature filly, Lady of Flanders has blossomed. After three very nice jump outs at Flemington, we took her to Caulfield on Saturday thinking she would run much better than her early odds of 30/1 suggested.
Watching the race, Nigel and Ross grew more and more confident in her chances. Ben Allen, who rode her to victory 12 months ago, rode the perfect race on this daughter of VIKING RULER. Her finishing sprint and tenacity was showcased to hold off a challenge from hot favourite See Me Exceed. She won by a length, in good time.
There is no hiding Ross and Nigel’s ambition to target some black type with Lady of Flanders now. We believe that race on Saturday had some depth in it, and the manner of her win suggests she deserves a chance at stakes races at some point in the next few weeks.
As is always the case, one race at a time. But we are thrilled that Lady of Flanders has pulled up terrifically well since her race on Saturday, is sound, happy and a delight to work with.
For more information on Lady of Flanders, her background and her name, review this news article from July 2017 after her maiden win.
