Co-trainer Adrian Bott believes that Love Story’s gradual progression into her racing career, now two starts in, may prove beneficial.
The daughter of Justify had always shown potential, however knee chips and a subsequent illness delayed her debut until last month, where she finished a close second at Warwick Farm.
Sent out as a strong favourite in Wednesday’s Catanach’s Jewellers Plate (1400m) at Kensington, the mare improved her standing, dictating terms for jockey Adam Hyeronimus and extending her advantage down the Kensington straight for a convincing 3-1/4 length win over Iminastate ($26). Memorise ($17) secured third place, a similar margin behind.
Bott is confident that Love Story has the scope to reach black-type races in time, and suggests her later start could be an advantage as she continues to mature.
“It’s probably not a bad thing because she’s still all frame to look at,” Bott said. “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 other news, three-year-old colt Punxsutawney Phil ($1.95) maintained his undefeated streak, winning his third start in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1250m) for training partners John O’Shea and Tom Charlton.
The colt was challenged by the more imposing Sky Deck at the top of the straight but fought back and surged clear for a 1-1/4 length victory. Aladdin’s Girl ($41) finished second, with Sky Deck ($11) holding on for third.
Charlton expressed his admiration for the horse’s will to win 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 explained. “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.”
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