By Dane Squance
In a similar vein of form that saw talented mare English (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}) capture her maiden Group 1 victory in last year's All Aged S. (1400m) at her home track of Randwick, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained 4-year-old looks right on target to add this Saturday's renewal of the race to her haul.
Skipping clear halfway down the straight last start in the G1 TJ Smith S. on Apr. 1, English had her connections cheering at the top of their lungs, but as the line was reached a short neck separated the first two home with Chautauqua (Aus) (Encosta de Lago ({Aus}) flying late to take the prize and win a third consecutive TJ Smith.
Fifth in the TJ Smith, the performance of Darren Weir's Voodoo Lad (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) was enough to indicate that the step up to 1400 metres would allow the gelding to show the form that saw a him finish second in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. and record victory in the G3 Moonga S., both over 1400 metres during the spring.
Held up at a vital stage in the G1 Doncaster H. on Apr. 1, the ever-consistent Le Romain (Aus) (Hard Spun) produced one of his worst career performances, which should be ignored. A winner three starts back at Group 1 level over 1300 metres at the track before a second to glamour mare Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}), the Kris Lees-trained gelding should not be overlooked.
Looking to add a Group 1 victory to his record and ensure a place on the Waikato Stud roster, 4-year-old stallion prospect Tivaci (Aus) (High Chaparral ({Ire}) was wide throughout in the TJ Smith S. and to battle away for fourth was a top-class effort. With some good form over the distance, jockey Damien Oliver is looking to go out on a high before departing to continue the season riding in Mauritius.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
