Luberon signals Group 1 intent at Matamata
In a stellar display at Matamata, the promising filly Luberon, trained by Lance Noble, confirmed her readiness for a journey to Christchurch later in the spring.
This victory marked her second win in her three-year-old campaign, following a comfortable triumph at Te Rapa over 1200m last month.
Ridden by Warren Kennedy, the daughter of Embellish showcased her prowess over an increased distance, conquering the 1400m contest against six rivals.
Positioned outside pacemaker Tears Of Victory, Luberon took charge around the home bend, establishing a winning lead. Despite some green racing tendencies in the final 200m, she fended off late charges from Loch Katrine and Tulsi to secure victory.
Noble, content with Luberon’s performance, attributed her slight waywardness to inexperience, emphasising her accomplishment in the task.
“She wants a little more practice left-handed,” Noble said.
“It has been three weeks since her last run, and she has done well, so I was a little worried she may have been underdone, but to her credit, she has stuck to the task and got the job done.
“The Soliloquy Stakes (Group 2, 1400m at Pukekohe) is in three weeks, and I think we will go to that option and then head to Christchurch.”
Warren Kennedy acknowledged Luberon’s learning curve in left-handed racing and praised her finish. ”
“She is still learning about left-handed racing and just needs some practice,” said Kennedy.
“Lance is doing the right thing giving her the practice, and it will stand her in good stead when she goes to those bigger races down south.”
Noble revealed that Luberon, bred and owned by Brendan and Jo Lindsay of Cambridge Stud, would make one more start in the north before heading to Riccarton, where she holds nominations for both the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m).
“Her father won the 2000 Guineas, so I don’t think she is going to have any problem getting the distance (1600m) down there,” said Noble.
The win prompted online bookmakers to adjust Luberon’s odds, moving her from +2500 to +400 on the Fixed Odds market for the 1000 Guineas, where she now shares favouritism with Molly Bloom.
Luberon, the second foal of Fastnet Rock mare Elegant Achiever, hails from a lineage rich in European stakes performers, including Industrialist, the champion middle-distance performer for the 1999-2000 season in Hong Kong.
Noble completed a winning double for the day with Iffin Doubt Dance’s triumph in the third race, once again guided by jockey Warren Kennedy.