In pursuit of his fourth consecutive Coolmore Classic success, Chris Waller sends out class mare Lazzura at the spearhead of a two-pronged bid, facing a significant weight disadvantage.

The four-year-old is level with Manaal on 58kg in the weights, a figure unbeaten by any mare since legendary Sunline managed 60kg for her double in 2000 and 2002.

Post that, four mares have triumphed on 57kg: Zougotcha (2024), Krone (2021) out of Queensland, Daysee Doom (2018), and Steps In Time (2014).

The weight is daunting, yet Waller rates Lazzura highly, observing that Zougotcha (2024) and Lady Shenandoah (2025) had Group 1 form entering, whereas 2023 winner Espiona notched her first top-level victory there.

“Those two were Group One winners before they got there, but she has been placed at that level,” Waller said of Lazzura.

“She’s certainly not far off them.

“She was a little bit soft first-up and she has come on nicely. She had another trial last week and she has come through it well.”

Last season’s Group 1 third for Lazzura arrived in the Surround Stakes (1400m), with a fourth place chase of stable ace Fangirl in the concluding Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m).

She holds a solid record at Rosehill’s 1500m with one success and two podiums from three goes, going down narrowly on fresh legs to prepared Cinsault in a tight finish.

Barrier eight is Lazzura’s with James McDonald aboard, while Firestorm from post 12 seeks to reverse last year’s second to Lady Shenandoah in the equivalent fixture.

Tyler Schiller returns to Firestorm for their initial pairing post that run as they aim for improvement.

Fourteen competitors line up for the Saturday showcase, incorporating fillies Ole Dancer prepared by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, and recent Surround Stakes runner-up Savvy Hallie.

Head to the racing betting markets to find value in the Coolmore Classic.