Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted 2 hours ago Journalists Share Posted 2 hours ago Leica Lucy shows her class in the Desert Gold Stakes at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Promising three-year-old Leica Lucy added another important black-type victory to her burgeoning record when she dashed clear to take out Saturday’s Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham. The lightly raced daughter of Derryn was sent out a raging hot favourite with horse racing bookmakers after taking out the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at the venue prior to Christmas and never really gave her supporters any cause for concern despite having to bullock her way into a narrow gap halfway down the home straight. Rider Craig Grylls had allowed the filly to settle back in the field and didn’t appear to be perturbed by runners swooping around his outer approaching the home turn as he began to bring her into contention. Grylls spied an opening three off the fence at the 250m and Leica Lucy burst through with a turn of foot that carried her two lengths clear before holding out the fast-finishing Connello comfortably at the winning post. 2025 Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes Replay – Leica Lucy https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Trentham-2025-Group-3-Desert-Gold-Stakes-18012025-Leica-Lucy-Robbie-Patterson-Craig-Grylls.mp4 While trainer Robbie Patterson was quietly confident she would perform to expectations before she headed to the start, rider Craig Grylls had a few last-minute doubts behind the barriers as the field loaded up. “I got a good run but before the race she was really worked up,” Grylls said. “The other day she was a bit of a lamb, so I was a little bit worried, but as soon as she came out (of the starting gates) she dropped the bit and relaxed nicely. “I got her buzzed up turning in and although I didn’t have a lot of options, good horses get you out of trouble. When the gap opened up, she did the rest. “She has a ton of improvement in her as Robbie said there is still a lot of water to go under the bridge, so she will tighten up and is very exciting.” Patterson was lavish in his praise for the performance, although he admitted to having some trepidation watching his charge search for a clear path in the straight. “It was tough watching her get held up, but when she got clear she went bang, which is the sign of a good horse,” he said. “I was concerned as she was above herself and I hadn’t done a lot with her as I know how long the season is, but I’ve had some good horses and this one could be the best I’ve had. “If you go too hard too early it all falls apart, and I want to win the Oaks again as I think I have the right horse for it. “I won the race with Legs when I was in partnership with Kevin Gray, and I think this one might even be a little better than her.” The $1 million Group 1 Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) is the feature event at the Trentham meeting on March 22. Horse racing news View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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