Tommy Berry’s bold, spontaneous ride proved the key as Lazzura demonstrated her superior class to win the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick.
When faced with a wide draw, Berry confessed to being uncertain about the best tactical approach in the early stages, ultimately letting the mare’s natural ability guide his decision.
“I still had no idea what I was going to do going to the gates, and I thought, I’ll ride her how she jumps,” Berry stated.
“She pinged the lids and at the end of the day, it’s not the way to ride her, but she’s the best horse in the race.
“Good horses overcome adversity, and that’s what she did today.”
With Perfumist taking up the running, Berry positioned Lazzura ($2.70 favourite) in second place, unleashing her run to hit the front halfway down the home straight.
The Chris Waller-trained mare found herself under pressure late but had enough in reserve to hold off Infancy ($71) by a half-length, with Verona Rose ($13) a further short head behind in third.
“She had to burn the candle at both ends,” said Darren Beadman, assistant trainer for Chris Waller.
“It was, do we go forward, or do we go back? But the way she jumped, Tommy made an executive decision and said, ‘Bang. She’s the best horse in the race’.
“She really cut out some slick sectionals in the early stages, but once she got there she gave herself a chance and switched off, and she runs out a strong 1400.”
Beadman was non-committal on Lazzura’s next start, noting that while she ran in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) last year, he wasn’t confident Chris Waller would back her up after such a demanding effort.
The Hot Danish Stakes (1400m) at Randwick in two weeks and The Hunter (1300m) the week after are also potential races for her.
“I’ll leave that to the master himself,” Beadman remarked.
“Whatever she does is just a bonus. She’s a Group One-winning mare and she has won her last two Group Twos.”
Kris Lees expressed his satisfaction with runner-up Infancy and confirmed her intention to race in The Hunter ($1 million) over 1300m at Newcastle on November 14.
For those keen to get involved, consider checking out the available racing odds.