Luberon with Guineas on radar
Luberon, a stakes performer, secured her spot for the upcoming spring season in style with a convincing victory at Te Rapa on Sunday.
The filly, sired by Embellish, had prepared for her first assignment of the season with an 850m trial at Te Awamutu last month, where she finished as the runner-up behind Group Three winner Devastate.
Trainer Lance Noble had expressed satisfaction with her condition leading up to the weekend.
Under the guidance of jockey Warren Kennedy, Luberon had a good start and positioned herself well, tracking Screamin Eagle throughout the race.
Kennedy urged her into the open as they turned for home, allowing her to reel in her rivals and secure victory by three-quarters of a length over Screamin Eagle.
Noble was pleased with Luberon’s performance on Sunday, and this has bolstered his confidence in considering a path toward the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) for his talented filly.
“She was a little bit vulnerable, and there is improvement to come, so beating the older horses was a good effort,” Noble remarked.
“There’s a three-year-old race for her next on Matamata Cup Day and then the Group 3 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m). If all goes well, she’ll head to Christchurch after that.”
Luberon had an auspicious start to her juvenile season last year, becoming the first winner sired by Cambridge Stud stallion Embellish on debut.
Unfortunately, she was sidelined after placing in the Listed Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Pukekohe in November due to a muscle injury.
Kennedy praised her performance at Te Rapa on Sunday, noting her strong finish and emphasizing that there is still significant room for improvement.