Trainer Greg Eurell may have a talented juvenile on his hands in Lucky Brook, who launched the card at Caulfield on Saturday by taking out the Sportsbet Race Previews Handicap over 1000 metres.
By Lucky Vega, the first-time starter had impressed in four jump-outs and successfully carried that winning mentality to race day, finishing a length clear under jockey Lachlan Neindorf.
Neindorf was satisfied to keep Lucky Brook, who was the $4.20 favourite according to leading Aussie betting sites, away from trouble from a wide draw, winning from Egyptian Dancer ($16) with Aston ($7) a short neck back in third.
Eurell indicated that numerous prospects await Lucky Brook in the early part of the Spring, with the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) for early three-year-olds a firm target.
“The plan was always to try and win a race and then sort of set her up for the spring, and there wasn’t much to offer, so to win a city race was even better,” Eurell stated.
“It gives us a chance to give her a bit of a let up, map something out going forward. It certainly gives us a lot of confidence going forward.”
“The spring can sort of stretch out a little bit now, so you’ve sort of got to be a little bit careful— sort of where you start and where you think you want to end up but she may be back here (for the Quezette).”
“I think she’ll cut the mustard. I think she’s very genuine, she’s obviously above average.”
The Quezette Stakes, slated for August 15 at Caulfield, has a history of being won by subsequent Group 1-winning sprinters such as Charm Stone, Bella Nipotina, and Sunlight in recent years.
While those heights are still a way off for Lucky Brook, Eurell believes she possesses the attributes to continue to reach new heights and potentially lengthen in distance as she matures.
“I like her attitude, everything we’ve done with her. She’s just so professional. I think she’s going to be a lovely filly going forward,” Eurell remarked.
“Once we sort of get a bit deeper into the prep, she’ll suggest what she’s going to do.
“But she does relax and travel. She might give herself that opportunity to sort of stretch out to a mile, however, at the moment, if she does what she does over the shorter trips we’ll be happy.”
Considering the promising debut, punters might want to investigate the betting markets for the race when the Quezette Stakes draws nearer.