Toby Lake is looking forward to seeing how his exciting filly Fieldelo performs in the Listed Creswick Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday, where she’ll be looking to turn the tables on her last-start conqueror.
The Deep Field filly made headlines with a seven-length demolition on debut at Bendigo and backed that up with a second win before facing a tougher task at Flemington last start. There, she ran into the Ciaron Maher-trained She’s An Artist and finished 3.8 lengths behind.
Lake was pleased with her performance despite the defeat and is confident there’s more improvement to come.
“I was extremely proud of her,” Lake told Radio RSN.
“I mean, it was her first step up to that grade, we were really respecting the opposition going into it, and the same coming out of it.
“I thought she acquitted herself really well. She travelled well, sort of hit a flat spot approaching the course proper but then was really strong late.
“So there’s no doubt she might have run into a good one, but we’re not running away from it on Saturday.”
Fieldelo was sent out the favourite last start and will rise to 1200m this time, something Lake believes will play in her favour.
“We’ll be trying, that’s for sure,” Lake said.
“I think 1200 (metres) is really going to suit my filly. I thought that in every one of her three starts to date, she’s always been strongest through the line.
“She’s a young horse exposed to something for the first time. She’s only going to improve off it.
“Learning about her is that the more she’s exposed to things, the more relaxed and probably more professional she’s becoming.
“She was exposed to a big day at the races a fortnight ago and I thought she handled herself well, not only on the day, but how she’s come through it.
“She galloped well Tuesday morning, she’s seemingly a lot more relaxed this preparation. So stepping up to 1200 (metres), I think that’s going to hold her in good stead too.
“It’ll be a smaller field on Saturday, tactics are probably going to play a big part, but she deserves to be there.”
With Harry Coffey committed to another runner, Jye McNeil takes the ride on Fieldelo, who has drawn barrier seven. She’s An Artist will jump from the widest gate with Jamie Melham aboard.
Looking to bet on the Creswick Stakes? Explore the best odds and betting apps through our Australian betting site guide.
From secure bookmakers to user-friendly mobile betting platforms, check out our full guide to the best betting platforms in Australia.
