Yes Lulu has booked her place in next month’s $1 million Magic Millions Fillies and Mares race on the Gold Coast with a thrilling victory in the $175,000 Magic Millions VIC 3YO & 4YO Classic at Caulfield on Saturday.
Under Irish jockey Declan Bates, the Ciaron Maher-trained filly stormed home from the back of the field to narrowly edge Miss Altair by a neck in a nail-biting finish paying $11 with PlayUp.
Bookmaker favourite Miraval Rose finished third.
Magic Millions VIC 3&4YO Classic Race Replay – Yes Lulu
Bates, who rode Lulu for the first time, hinted that his plans to return to Ireland might now change.
“I’m meant to be heading back to Ireland for a visit next week, but I might have to make a quick return for a little holiday in the middle of it,” Bates said.
“She’s a horse I hadn’t ridden before today, and I was very impressed with her finish.
“She’s a beautiful filly, and she’s only going to be better on a bigger track. Winning here says a lot about her.”
Stable representative Adrian Joyce confirmed that Lulu will head to the Gold Coast for the January 11 event, confident the 1300m distance will suit her.
“She’s always shown she can handle that trip, and she proved it again today,” Joyce said.
Although the race was expected to have a quicker pace, Joyce praised Lulu’s ability to adapt and Bates’ composed ride.
“The field didn’t go as fast as it looked on paper, and for her to finish like that from where she was is very encouraging. Dec stayed calm, gave her the perfect ride, and she responded beautifully.”
Lulu’s latest win is her second consecutive triumph after a promising spring campaign that included strong performances in the Redoute’s Choice Stakes and the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes.
“She’s always shown ability,” Joyce said. “She ran in stakes races as a two-year-old and acquitted herself well.
“The owners are over the moon. A lot of them are here today, and it’s a great result for the team.”
With her sharp turn of foot and proven versatility, Lulu is now among the key contenders for the Gold Coast feature.
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