Trainer Greg Eurell might have unearthed a promising two-year-old in Lucky Brook, who kicked off the card at Caulfield on Saturday with a victory in the Sportsbet Race Previews Handicap (1000m).
The first-starter, by Lucky Vega, had impressed in four jump outs and carried that winning form to the racetrack, finishing a length ahead under jockey Lachlan Neindorf.
Neindorf, aboard the $4.20 favourite according to leading Aussie betting sites, managed to keep Lucky Brook out of traffic from a wide draw. The filly crossed the line a length clear of Egyptian Dancer ($16), with Aston ($7) securing third place a short neck further back.
Eurell indicated that there are numerous opportunities for Lucky Brook in the early stages of the Spring, with the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) for emerging three-year-olds a key target.
“The plan was always to try and win a race and then sort of set her up for the spring, and there wasn’t much to offer, so to win a city race was even better,” Eurell stated.
“It gives us a chance to give her a bit of a let up, map something out going forward. It certainly gives us a lot of confidence going forward.”
“The spring can sort of stretch out a little bit now, so you’ve sort of got to be a little bit careful— sort of where you start and where you think you want to end up but she may be back here (for the Quezette).”
“I think she’ll cut the mustard. I think she’s very genuine, she’s obviously above average.”
The Quezette Stakes, set for August 15 at Caulfield, has a history of producing Group 1 winners, including Charm Stone, Bella Nipotina, and Sunlight in recent years.
While acknowledging that such lofty achievements are still some way off for Lucky Brook, Eurell is confident she possesses the qualities to continue progressing and potentially handle longer distances as she matures.
“I like her attitude, everything we’ve done with her. She’s just so professional. I think she’s going to be a lovely filly going forward,” Eurell commented.
“Once we sort of get a bit deeper into the prep, she’ll suggest what she’s going to do.”
“But she does relax and travel. She might give herself that opportunity to sort of stretch out to a mile, however, at the moment, if she does what she does over the shorter trips we’ll be happy.”
For those keen to back promising gallopers, exploring the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites can be a great way to get involved.