Image: Bradley Photos.
Lethal Lady is the definition of a ‘first-up specialist’.
The Norm Gardner-trained three-year-old has started 12 times for three wins and five minor placings, with every one of her victories arriving when first-up from a spell.
With a stellar record when fresh (4:3-0-1), it’s no wonder Gardner was confident when his Smart Missile filly started a well-supported $4 commodity in the 1080m Benchmark 60 Handicap, which was held on the new Canberra Polytrack surface on the Acton Track on Friday.
“We really fancied her today; she had a good jump-out here, and I think it helped being trained on this track,” Gardner said.
“She was very comfortable on it, and I think she’s in for a good prep.”
Ridden by Brendan Ward, who booted home a double on the eight-race card, Lethal Lady showed off a lethal sprint, edging the Gratz Vella-trained Romeo Vella (James Innes Jr, $20) by a long-neck, while the John Nisbet-trained Heart Of Vancouver (Jordan Mallyon, $5) was a tick over two lengths away in third.
Gardner confirmed that Lethal Lady would be kept fresh for future targets, with the Canberra trainer indicating that his filly’s next race will be on her home track on July 21.
“I probably backed her up to quick in the past,” Gardner said.
“She’ll be looking for that three to four weeks between runs now, and we’ll probably come back here in five weeks to keep her nice and fresh.”
Ward, who also won on the Garry Kirkup-trained Light Press ($10) in the 1080m Maiden Handicap, was impressed with Lethal Lady’s turn of foot.
“This horse has won two at the 1000m, and today, she travelled in behind the speed and was able to get out when I wanted her to, and she really hit the line hard,” Ward said.
The veteran jockey agreed that local horses held some advantage on the Canberra Acton, with Friday’s meeting the first one held on Thoroughbred Park‘s Polytrack.
“I suppose this track, it’s probably more momentum than anything, and if you can keep your momentum going forward, you’re all right,” Ward said.
“I think it helps with Canberra horses working on this surface every day.”
Local trainers enjoyed success on the day, with the Keith Dryden-trained Emma’s Gift (Olivia Chambers, $9) bringing up her seventh career win in the 1206m Federal Benchmark 70 Handicap.
The Rob Potter-trained Tavolo (Damon Budler, $1.45) was very impressive in the 1280 Maiden Plate, and Yass trainer Allan McRae landed an excellent win with Danish Hussar (Kayla Nisbet, $41) in the 1206m Benchmark 50 Handicap, while Gardner and Kirkup are both Canberra trainers.
For all results, click here.
