Firming ground no concern for Mustang Valley
Trainer Andrew Forsman is confident that Mustang Valley, with her remarkable record on heavy tracks, will perform well at the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings on Saturday, despite the absence of heavy ground.
The daughter of Vanbrugh, who secured a five and three-quarter-length victory in last year’s edition on Heavy 10 ground, recently claimed her second elite-level win in the Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) under similar conditions.
Mustang Valley has consistently excelled on wet surfaces, with all six of her career victories achieved on heavy tracks.
Despite the track at Hastings transitioning from a Heavy 8 to a Soft 5 due to a dry and warm week, Forsman remains optimistic about her performance. He notes that Mustang Valley is effective on drier tracks, especially over longer distances.
Forsman acknowledges her success on wet ground but emphasises her capability on top of the ground once the distance extends beyond a mile in this level of competition.
Mustang Valley has previously secured placings in similar conditions, including a second place in the Arrowfield and a close third in the Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes in Sydney.
The betting odds also reflect confidence in Mustang Valley’s abilities, positioning her as the +130 favourite to become only the third back-to-back winner of the Livamol Classic since it gained Group One status in 1996, following Princess Coup (2007 & 2008) and Melody Belle (2019 & 2020).
Forsman expressed satisfaction with Mustang Valley’s recent performance in the Arrowfield, highlighting her dominance on the heavy track. He emphasised her fitness, noting a solid gallop on Tuesday, and believes she is on target for a successful defence of her Livamol Classic crown.