2023 PB Lawrence Stakes Results: Cox Plate Hope Mr Brightside Salutes First-Up
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Trainer Kris Lees has made just one appearance in the Group 1 Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m), back in 2003 with County Tyrone who ran 15th, however the trainer couldn’t pass up another go at the ‘race that stops the nation’ with his in-form mare, considering it could be her one shot.
Lucia Valentina can do no wrong this spring racing campaign. The four-year-old mare won the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) on October 4 before finishing third in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) last time out.
The four-year-old mare will now end her season with a tilt in the 2014 Melbourne Cup, for which she’s co-second favourite in the betting market at Ladbrokes.com.au, available for $7.50 along with Signoff.
She has been flying this preparation and hit the line just as hard as Admire Rakti last time out in the Caulfield Cup. Lucia Valentina was a long way back starting the race and had to come right to the outside after getting slightly held up at the 800m. She made a long, sustained run and finished fastest to not miss by much – less than one length off the winner.
This followed a great run in the Turnbull in which hoop Kerrin McEvoy made up ground fast after sitting back of midfield. She took the split and charged away, winning half a length ahead of Brambles.
Lucia Valentina has drawn well in barrier two with McEvoy in the saddle for the fourth successive time. Inside barrier draws can be hazardous in the Melbourne Cup considering the large field size but the mare thrives on them and typically runs better from barrier 1-6.
So can Lucia Valentina end her 2014 spring campaign with a win in the $6.2 million Melbourne Cup and deliver Lees his first win on just his second appearance?
If you think Lucia Valentina has got what it takes to win the 2014 Melbourne Cup for the girls, back her at Ladbrokes.com.au today for the best odds.
You could win $10 million this Melbourne Cup Day for just $1. Simply pick the first seven horses across the line and if you get them all right you’ll win the Ladbrokes MegaFecta and walk away $10 million richer.
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