Sacred Elixir massive
LA Luna Rossa kicked off yesterday’s Kiwi invasion of Caulfield racecourse in Melbourne with style.
Trained by Cambridge maestros Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, the 3-year-old filly rushed home late for second in the $215,000 Thousand Guineas Prelude.
A Group II Australian placing adding immensely to her value and promises bigger rewards when she steps up over another 200m for the Guineas in a few weeks.
However, that was just the appetiser to the sizzling performance Sacred Elixir served up for Cambridge trainer Tony Pike in the following race.
Fresh back from a spell follow- ing his Group I JJ Atkins win as a 2-year-old, the Pour Moir colt sent a shiver through his spring opponents with his 1400m win.
‘‘This is a pleasant surprise,’’ Pike said. ‘‘He’s only going to get better as he gets up in trip.’’
Jockey Damian Lane reckons Sacred Elixir can do nothing but improve.
‘‘He’s already a Group I winner, but he’s still a bit dumb,’’ he said. ‘‘He’s still learning.’’
The next challenge will come in a fortnight in the A$1 million Group I Caulfield Guineas (1600m), then races like the Victoria Derby (2500m) beckon.
And Pike isn’t discounting taking on the mighty Winx in the Cox Plate if all goes sweetly for the Raffles Farm-owned star, already the winner of about $600,000.
Fifth behind Sacred Elixir was La Luna Rossa’s stablemate Saracino who won first-up in Melbourne three weeks ago.
He ran well and may have finished closer had jockey Damien Oliver gained space when needed in the home straight.
There was no joy in the Group I Sir Rupert Clark Stakes for the Kiwi.
Xtravagant was disastrous first up in Melbourne and disgraced himself once again as he finished among the tailenders despite being settled pre-race.
He was on speed early but punctured and dropped out while fellow Kiwi Rangipo also failed to flatter fresh-up.
Lucia Valentina ran on strongly from well off the pace for third behind Black Heart Bart in the Group I Underwood Stakes (1800m), with both being runners heading for next month’s Cox Plate.
Tavago failed to raise a gallop finishing last.
At Rosehill in Sydney, New Zealand-owned Chris Wallertrained Antonio Giuseppe continued on his winning way.