The Greg Eurell-trained Lakedro gets his chance to break through for an overdue win at Sandown on Saturday.
Resuming since some encouraging runs early in the season, the Clangalang six-year-old hasn’t won since taking out a 1600m event at Sandown in April 2010.
But since then he has run second to Eraset in the 2010 Sale Cup (1600m) and third to Aloha in the Lord Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield last Boxing Day.
Earlier this season, he was sent for a spell after his fifth to subsequent Group One Turnbull Stakes winner December Draw over 2000m at Flemington on September 4.
Before that Lakedro had finished runner-up twice in succession to Testascana at Caulfield in August – over 1600m at Caulfield and in the Listed National Jockeys Celebration Day Stakes (1700m).
Chris Symons, who has been Lakedro’s rider in all of his four wins from 23 starts, retains the ride in the Betfair Hcp (1300m) in which the gelding has drawn barrier 15 in the field of 16 plus an emergency.
“It looks not a bad race for him actually, first up 1300 metres should be a nice little pipe opener for him ” said stable representative John Baker.
“He goes all right fresh.”
Lakedro hasn’t won first up in four tries, but has been placed third twice.
“He had a little trial the other day and he’s done well since,” Baker said referring to his 10th to Strike The Tiger over 800m at Cranbourne last Monday week.
Baker said a race such as the Listed Lord Stakes (1600m), to be run at Mornington on December 27, will again be on the agenda.
“He was racing well during the spring but couldn’t quite get there,” he said.
“He’s run some very good races and it would be nice if he could do it first up.”
Lakedro’s Cox Plate winning stablemate Pinker Pinker is due back at Eurell’s Cranbourne stables this weekend after a short break and to be aimed at autumn riches.
“We went and had a look at her on Friday and she looks marvellous,” Baker said.
“She really had a good rest so we’ll be looking forward to her.
“We haven’t set out a program for her yet but there a number of good races for her such as the Doncaster.”
AAP TURF
