Leotie races into Group 1 Golden Rose
THERE was plenty of money for Leotie ($2.30 at CrownBet) during the week and it paid off on Saturday when the three-year-old took out the Wedrive Handicap at Caulfield.
The Henry Dwyer-trained filly will now likely head to the Group 1 Golden Rose next month after its impressive 1.25-length win over second favourite Sebrikka.
Dwyer was going to keep the daughter of Darci Brahma in Melbourne, but the prizemoney in Sydney is too good to pass up.
“I think I’d rather race her in a million dollar race in Sydney than a $200,000 race in Melbourne,” Dwyer said.
“As long as it’s a decent track then we’ll probably go, I wouldn’t want to go if it is going to be heavy though.
“She’s a really smart filly and getting her to 1400 (metres) certainly helped. Pedigree wise there’s no reason why she won’t get further.”
Leotie made the most of the small field and was beautifully positioned by jockey Chris Parnham. Dwyer said the filly still has some learning to do with the ultimate goal being the Group 1 Thousand Guineas.
“She’s still got a bit to learn but she was impressive enough today,” Dwyer said.
“The Thousand Guineas has been her aim all along but if she doesn’t get there so be it – we’ll certainly give her a chance anyway.”
Parnham believes it has plenty of improvement left and bookmakers have slashed its price to $13 at Sportsbet for the Thousand Guineas on October 8.
“She’s got plenty of upside this filly,” Parnham said.
“She’s still learning what it’s all about, wants to run about a bit. Once she puts it all together she’ll be a serious horse.”