Co-trainers Ciaron Maher & David Eustace set a strategy for American import Lighthouse which appears to be coming together with the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) on New Year’s Day the main aim.
Lighthouse notched a third victory in as many starts in Australia in winning The Des Gleeson (1400m) at Flemington, a Benchmark 84 event.
For the US-based ownership, Dave Eustace said that the plan was to progress towards the Chester Manifold and achieve valuable black-type with the four-year-old grey filly by Grade 1-winning sire Mizzen Mast (USA).
This run followed first placings in similar races at Ballarat and Kyneton in November.
“She probably didn’t travel as strong,” Eustace said.
“Although they were running along, and they didn’t go that quick at Ballarat. She won well and I thought it was a cool ride.
“We just said to let it happen, if she is in the form she was at Ballarat then let it unfold and don’t try to force the issue.”
Lighthouse ($2.25 favourite), ridden by Matthew Cartwright, won by ¾-length over Bermadez ($3.60) who pulled throughout the race under Damien Oliver with early leader Do You Reckon ($19) 2-1/4 lengths away in third.
“She was strong through the line suggesting she might get a little bit further,” Eustace observed.
“If she gets out a mile it will open up a lot of options for her.”