Lazzura Claims Coolmore Classic in Stunning Upset, McDonald Nears Record
B2B Thoroughbreds celebrated a momentous occasion on Saturday as their colours were carried to a maiden Group 1 victory in the prestigious Coolmore Classic at Rosehill. The triumphant partnership saw jockey James McDonald steer the mare Lazzura to a hard-fought win, marking a significant milestone for both the syndicate and the champion hoop.
Riccardo Surace jnr of B2B Thoroughbreds described the win as “unbelievable,” highlighting the special connection with McDonald, a “great friend.” The victory propelled McDonald to 128 Group 1 wins, bringing him to within just one of Damien Oliver’s all-time record. This marked his third consecutive triumph in the 1500-metre fillies and mares’ feature, and an impressive fourth in a row for trainer Chris Waller.
A Gritty Performance Under Topweight
Lazzura, burdened with the topweight of 58 kilograms, demonstrated remarkable tenacity. Coming from well back in the field, she launched a powerful surge down the centre of the track in the closing stages to snatch victory by a narrow margin, edging out Arctic Glamour by a short neck. Vivy Air followed closely, securing third place another short neck adrift.
This win continued a remarkable winning streak for the formidable combination of Waller, McDonald, and the Surace family. Just the previous week, they had celebrated success in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes with Generosity, and they have high hopes for their Canonbury Stakes winner, Hidrix, in the upcoming Golden Slipper.
“It’s hard to fathom,” Surace jnr admitted. “James knows the mare, he’s done all the work on her. James is a great friend. We all get along like a house on fire, us and the jockeys, and it’s just unbelievable to do it with friends and Chris. This is the first horse we gave Chris, and she’s been unbelievable.”
Trainer Chris Waller indicated that the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf or the Doncaster Mile are likely next targets for the impressive Lazzura.
McDonald, effusive in his praise for the four-year-old mare, who was also the winner of last year’s Phar Lap Stakes, acknowledged her gritty effort. “She had to break a weight-carrying record, obviously Sunline. She’s no Sunline but she tries,” McDonald commented. “Super proud of her, super proud for the connections. They put a lot into the game and they deserve the success they get.”
The champion jockey was in scintillating form on the day, securing four wins in total. In addition to his Coolmore Classic triumph, he also tasted victory in the Phar Lap Stakes with Sixties, the Magic Night Stakes with Pembrey, and race two with Tazima.
Baker’s Slipper Contenders Shine
Trainer Bjorn Baker is optimistic about the chances of his two Golden Slipper contenders, with Warwoven securing his spot in the $5 million feature following a commanding performance in the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m). Warwoven joined stablemate Paradoxium in the prestigious race, having previously been a long-time favourite for the Slipper.
The colt, who had returned from a setback with a close fourth in the Skyline Stakes two weeks prior, was priced at $9 for the Pago Pago and needed a victory to qualify for the Golden Slipper. Jockey Rachel King expertly guided the Sword Of State colt to sit outside the leader, Star Of Jamaica, from a wide draw. Warwoven took the lead with 300 metres remaining and went on to defeat Outspan by a length.
Paradoxium, carrying the same colours as Ridgmont Farm’s Mitch Cunningham, had earned its Slipper berth the week prior with a similar performance in the Todman Stakes, overcoming a battle with illness.
King expressed her belief that Warwoven has further improvement to come. “He improved massively from the other day, but I still think there’s another 10 per cent there,” she said. “I think there’s more under the bonnet, and if he gets challenged, there’s more under the bonnet even today, so he’s very exciting.”
Baker acknowledged the challenge of backing up Warwoven on a seven-day turnaround but was pleased with the result. “It was good to see him back and win that way. I’m hoping [for improvement], you never quite know on the back-up, it’s always a bit of a tricky business, but he couldn’t have done much more today,” Baker stated.
Following his Pago Pago win, Warwoven firmed into $7 for the Slipper, trailing only the Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained filly Chayan and Paradoxium ($5).
“I’d say there’s probably not too much between them from what we’ve seen at home,” Baker commented on his pair. “Paradoxium will have a good gallop on Tuesday; he actually galloped on Thursday and I was thrilled with him. He’s definitely improved.”
Pembrey Earns Slipper Shot
James McDonald also qualified Tony Gollan-trained filly Pembrey for the Slipper in the Magic Night Stakes. Pembrey required a win to make the Slipper field after finishing fifth in the Sweet Embrace Stakes two weeks prior, where she was held up by runners. McDonald adopted a more forward tactics from a wide gate this time, and Pembrey responded strongly to beat Lumbini by a length and a half, shortening into $15 for the Slipper from $26.
Connections Kia Ora are reportedly considering paying a late entry fee of $150,000 to secure Pembrey’s spot in the race. “It was what we came down here for, to run her in a Slipper, so we’ll see how the week unfolds,” Gollan said. “It was pretty inconclusive a couple of weeks ago and it was just good to see her rolling along today. She’s still floated a bit … but that last half-furlong when she changed on to her fresh leg, she was good through the line and she did everything we hoped she would. She looks as though she’s got enough left in her to go again in a week’s time.”
Other Slipper movements include Closer To Free and Music Time paying late entry fees, while Big Sky and Eternal Warrior are out. The Ciaron Maher stable has indicated Tornado Valley will likely bypass the Slipper for the Sires’ Produce Stakes, which would see Michael Freedman-trained Incognito become the last horse into the 16-strong field.
Vauban Continues Impressive Form
Co-trainer Adrian Bott is setting his sights on the Tancred Stakes, a Queensland winter campaign, and another Melbourne Cup attempt for Vauban, following his first-up victory in the Sky High Stakes (2000m). Bott indicated that a run in the Sydney Cup (3200m) on April 11 is unlikely, with the Tancred Stakes in two weeks being the more immediate focus. Vauban’s last start prior to Saturday’s win was a sixth place in the Melbourne Cup, his third attempt at the iconic race.
“A Queensland prep is becoming quite good for these types of horses, a bit older and you just want to space his runs and campaign a bit,” Bott explained. “Hoping to go to the Melbourne Cup again this year.”
Sixties later captured the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes, marking trainer Chris Waller’s ninth victory in the three-year-old race and securing his spot in the Doncaster Mile, where Rachel King is slated to ride at 49kg. Cristal Clear also booked a Doncaster start with a win in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes, providing apprentice Braith Nock with a stakes-level victory.
Waller Weighs Up Doncaster Options
Trainer Chris Waller is considering the Doncaster Mile for Autumn Glow but believes a poor draw, rather than the presence of Sheza Alibi, will be the more significant factor. Autumn Glow and stablemate Aeliana participated in exhibition gallops at Rosehill on Saturday ahead of their respective runs in the George Ryder and Ranvet Stakes next week.
Speculation has been rife about a potential clash between the unbeaten Autumn Glow and Randwick Guineas winner Sheza Alibi in the Doncaster, following co-trainer Peter Moody’s confirmation that his filly would contest the race. Waller stated that a decision on Autumn Glow’s next target, likely the Doncaster or the 2000m Queen Elizabeth Stakes, will be made after the George Ryder Stakes.
When asked if Sheza Alibi’s involvement would influence his decision, Waller replied, “Not really. My only concern about a Doncaster is if you get a bad draw, luck in running. If you draw 20, it’s very hard to give it the perfect ride.”
