Oaks target set for Leica Lucy
Leica Lucy (3 f Derryn – Dynamite Lucy by Sir Percy) added another important victory to her burgeoning record when she dashed clear to take out Saturday’s Desert Gold Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m) at Trentham, putting the New Zealand Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) at the same track on March 22 on her agenda.
The Robbie Patterson-trained filly was sent out the $1.40 favourite after taking out the Eulogy Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m) at the same venue on December 21 and under Craig Grylls, Leica Lucy finished strongly to beat Connello (Time Test) by 1.3 lengths with Renovations (Ardrossan) another 2.8 lengths away in third.
While Patterson was quietly confident Leica Lucy would perform to expectations before she headed to the start, rider Grylls had a few last-minute doubts behind the barriers as the field loaded up.
“I got a good run but before the race she was really worked up,” the winning rider said. “The other day she was a bit of a lamb, so I was a little bit worried, but as soon as she came out [of the starting gates] she dropped the bit and relaxed nicely.
“I got her buzzed up turning in and although I didn’t have a lot of options, good horses get you out of trouble. When the gap opened up, she did the rest.
“She has a ton of improvement in her as Robbie said there is still a lot of water to go under the bridge, so she will tighten up and is very exciting.”
Patterson was lavish in his praise for the performance, although he admitted to having some trepidation watching the winner search for a clear path in the straight.
“It was tough watching her get held up, but when she got clear she went bang, which is the sign of a good horse,” he said.
“I was concerned as she was above herself and I hadn’t done a lot with her as I know how long the season is, but I’ve had some good horses and this one could be the best I’ve had. If you go too hard too early it all falls apart, and I want to win the Oaks again as I think I have the right horse for it.
“I won the race with Legs when I was in partnership with Kevin Gray, and I think this one might even be a little better than her.”
The Desert Gold Stakes was the seventh event in the prestigious New Zealand Bloodstock Filly Of The Year series which is currently led by Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) (21 points) with Leica Lucy now moving into third place on 12 points with four events left, including the New Zealand Oaks as the series finale.