Lazzura has surpassed the $2 million prize money threshold with her recent victory in the Golden Pendant. This impressive performance has prompted trainer Chris Waller to draw parallels between her and the notable mares Red Tracer and Catkins.
Despite being a Group 1 winner of the Coolmore Classic, the five-year-old mare doesn’t carry the same superstar status as stablemates Autumn Glow and Aeliana. However, she has been a steadfast performer for the stable, achieving seven wins from her 19 starts.
Catkins achieved 16 wins from 38 races, and Red Tracer recorded 15 wins from 38. If Lazzura continues to win at her current rate, she is on track to retire with a similar career record.
“She’s a darling. She’s one of those Catkins, Red Tracer type horses. She’s finding her mould and getting her confidence,” Waller commented.
“Only a small field, but she ended up getting a lovely run. Gangsta Granny was the horse to beat and the horse to follow, so it was good to be able to track that horse.
“The other horse (Verona Rose) came late but she held it off well.”
Lazzura ($1.85 favourite) secured victory by 1-1/4 lengths over Verona Rose ($13). Modella ($6.50) finished third, another long neck adrift, and Gangsta Granny ($6) tired to finish fifth.
Waller is hoping to nominate the winner directly for The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick on October 24, potentially without another run. A subsequent trip to Melbourne is also being considered, possibly targeting the C F Orr Stakes (1400m).
Winning jockey James McDonald believes Lazzura has the scope to be a contender in another major race this campaign and suggests she still has further improvement in her.
“She has been well placed all her life and is just a good horse,” McDonald stated.
“I think she can improve again, too. She has some tougher tasks ahead, but she deserves to be in those good races.”
The Group 1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) is scheduled to be held at Sandown on November 14 this year.
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