Chris Waller launches a two-mare raid led by class mare Lazzura in his drive for a fourth Coolmore Classic in succession, confronted by a stern weight test.
Matched at 58kg with Manaal, the four-year-old carries top weight not overcome by a winner since Sunline’s 60kg heroics in her 2000 and 2002 victories.
Four subsequent winners managed 57kg – Zougotcha (2024), Queensland mare Krone (2021), Daysee Doom (2018) and Steps In Time (2014).
Notwithstanding the load, Waller believes Lazzura measures up, as Zougotcha (2024) and Lady Shenandoah (2025) brought Group 1 wins into the race, but Espiona’s only Group 1 came via her 2023 Coolmore success.
“Those two were Group One winners before they got there, but she has been placed at that level,” Waller said of Lazzura.
“She’s certainly not far off them.
“She was a little bit soft first-up and she has come on nicely. She had another trial last week and she has come through it well.”
Lazzura’s top-level minor honour was in last year’s Surround Stakes (1400m), capping the year with fourth to barnmate Fangirl in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m).
Her three efforts at Rosehill 1500m yield a win plus two places, with a brave latest-up defeat to fit Cinsault in their showdown.
James McDonald draws barrier eight for the ride on Lazzura, as Firestorm secures 12 looking to top her previous second to Lady Shenandoah here last year.
After riding her to that finish 12 months prior, Tyler Schiller reconnects with Firestorm aiming to go further.
The Saturday feature attracts 14 entries, such as Ole Dancer for Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, and Savvy Hallie fresh from her Surround Stakes second.
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