Burgundy Girl is Canberra Cup-bound following a gallant victory in the $40,000 Canberra Cup Preview (2000m) on Friday.
Following up her victory in the Sapphire Coast Cup earlier this month, the 7YO Cable Bay mare had stable apprentice Jess Brookes in the saddle when powering to victory for co-trainers Keith Dryden and Libby Snowden.
An $18,000 purchase at the 2020 Inglis Scone Yearling Sale, Burgundy Girl, who is out of Chablis (x Redoute’s Choice), has now started 50 times for eight wins, earning connections over $200,000.
Brookes, who’s only recently joined the Canberra stable, was thrilled to land another big win on the popular mare as she dreams of success in the $200,000 Canberra Cup on Sunday, March 8.
“It helps a lot being able to ride her every day, and I’m very lucky to get the opportunity from Keith and Libby,” Brookes said.
“They have just been so good to me since joining, and the whole stable has made me feel amazing.
“I was kind of Canberra Cup dreaming (with Burgundy Girl) for a while, and it’s nice that the dream is still alive.”
Brookes, who kicked off her riding career in 2014, is back stronger than ever and has now landed 40 wins in the saddle.
Outside of her recent success on Burgundy Girl, Brookes also won the Braidwood Cup earlier this month, riding the Geoffrey Crothers-trained Luna Angel to victory in the 1350m feature event.
“I had a bit of a break between apprenticeships,” Brookes said.
“I was just struggling with weight and things like that, but doing so much work behind the scenes, it’s nice to get the glory for yourself.”
It was a big day at Canberra for Brookes’ new stable, who also won with Silver Touch (Nick Heywood, $2.40) in the 1300m Maiden Handicap.
Brazen Crime (Nick Heywood, $3.20) flashed late to finish second in the 1600m Benchmark 65 Handicap and Brume De Soliel (Jack Martin, $41) made a nice debut for third in the 1000m Maiden Plate.
