Four-year-old mare Love Story, now just two starts into her racing career, might find her delayed debut to be a significant advantage, according to co-trainer Adrian Bott.
The daughter of Justify had always demonstrated talent, but knee chips and a prior illness meant she didn’t race until last month, where she secured a close second at Warwick Farm.
As the odds-on favourite in Wednesday’s Catanach’s Jewellers Plate (1400m) at Kensington, the mare improved on her previous run, setting a strong pace under Adam Hyeronimus and extending her lead down the straight for an impressive 3-1/4 length victory over Iminastate ($26). Memorise ($17) finished a similar distance back in third.
Bott is confident she has the potential to reach black-type level eventually and suggests her later start could be beneficial as she continues to develop.
“It’s probably not a bad thing because she’s still all frame to look at,” Bott stated. “Another twelve months, if she can race thirty or forty kilos bigger we’ll see nice improvement from her. Maybe at the end of the season she could be a Queensland (winter carnival) mare.”
In a notable performance, three-year-old colt Punxsutawney Phil ($1.95), trained by John O’Shea and Tom Charlton, extended his perfect record to three wins from as many starts in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1250m).
The colt was challenged by the more imposing Sky Deck at the top of the straight but fought back strongly to win by 1-1/4 lengths from Aladdin’s Girl ($41), with Sky Deck ($11) securing third place.
Charlton expressed his admiration for the horse’s determination and confirmed that the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 24 is the likely next target.
“That was fantastic. Another good performance, and I’m really pleased for owner-breeder Neil Werrett because he’s a big supporter of the stable,” Charlton remarked. “John (O’Shea) and Neil have always had a plan to potentially go to the Brian Crowley. That’s two-and-a-half weeks and the likely target. He’s a really genuine little horse. He will appreciate 1200 for his next start. It will be perfect.”
For those keen on the racing action, exploring Australian betting sites can provide insights into the odds for upcoming races.
