Lazzura is widely expected to continue her successful run in Sydney’s spring fillies and mares’ races when she competes in the Hot Danish Stakes, with jockey Tommy Berry sharing the public’s confidence in her ability to win again.
Following her initial second-place finish behind Savvy Hallie in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m), Lazzura has gone on to win the Golden Pendant (1400m) and The Invitation (1400m). She is currently a $1.45 favourite to make it three wins in a row at Rosehill.
The mare’s benchmark rating is eight points higher than her nearest competitor, placing her in an advantageous position under the set weights of the Hot Danish Stakes (1400m). Furthermore, she will benefit from the soft 7 track conditions and has drawn barrier two.
Despite the favourable race conditions, Berry maintains that superior horses like Lazzura only increase his confidence, rather than causing him to feel nervous.
“No, I get more nervous on the slow ones,” Berry quipped. “The faster ones are easier to deal with, that’s for sure. She should really be carrying a bit more (weight) than a few of these. She’s in great form, she has been for a few preps now, and if the rain does keep coming then she is really going to enjoy getting her toe in the ground.”
Berry highlighted the significance of the mare’s low draw.
In The Invitation, she had to work hard to take up a forward position from a wide barrier. Despite holding on to win by a half-length from Infancy, she appeared to be tiring in the final stages.
With barrier two, Lazzura should secure an economical run on Saturday, allowing her to finish the race strongly.
He also dismissed concerns that her tough last-start performance might have had a detrimental effect. Berry shared that the mare recovered so well that trainer Chris Waller considered entering her in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington just seven days later, a race that was ultimately won by stablemate Lady Shenandoah.
“That’s how well she came through her run,” Berry said. “With this race here on the weekend, and them already having Lady Shenandoah in the other race, they chose to go a different way and give her the extra week. She’s come through in great order, and she’s a very tough mare. Nothing much knocks her around.
“We’ll be able to ride her with a bit of cover, or even if there’s not much speed – which it doesn’t look like there’s a lot of on paper – at least we’re not going to have to do the work we did the other day. Getting a nice, cosy run, we’ll be able to see that good turn of foot, and they’ll have to be very good to beat her on Saturday.”
With her current form and ideal race conditions, Lazzura is a strong contender in the Hot Danish Stakes. Those interested in wagering can explore the available racing odds at betting markets for the race.