Class mare Lazzura is set to lead a dual challenge from Chris Waller as he aims for a fourth straight Coolmore Classic victory, but she has a heavy burden to overcome.
The four-year-old shares the highest handicap weight of 58kg with Manaal, a load no mare has managed to win with since the great Sunline shouldered 60kg for her two Coolmore triumphs in 2000 and 2002.
Four horses have prevailed since carrying 57kg – Zougotcha (2024), Queenslander Krone (2021), Daysee Doom (2018) and Steps In Time (2014).
Even with the difficulty, Waller views Lazzura as a top-class mare and notes that although both Zougotcha (2024) and Lady Shenandoah (2025) entered as Group 1 winners, the 2023 Coolmore Classic marked Espiona’s debut and sole elite success.
“Those two were Group One winners before they got there, but she has been placed at that level,” Waller said of Lazzura.
“She’s certainly not far off them.
“She was a little bit soft first-up and she has come on nicely. She had another trial last week and she has come through it well.”
Lazzura earned her Group 1 placing in last year’s Surround Stakes (1400m) and also ran fourth behind star stable companion Fangirl in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) to close out the season.
Over the Rosehill 1500m course, she boasts one victory and two minor placings from three outings, and she fought gamely on return before being narrowly beaten in a duel by in-form Cinsault.
James McDonald takes the mount from gate eight, while teammate Firestorm has gate 12 in her bid to improve on her strong runner-up effort to Lady Shenandoah in the same race 12 months ago.
Tyler Schiller partnered her then and now links back up with Firestorm for the first occasion since, as they seek to make amends.
A field of 14 is set to tackle Saturday’s highlight, featuring fillies Ole Dancer for Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, plus Surround Stakes placegetter Savvy Hallie.
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