Lindsay Park co-trainer Ben Hayes expects a more professional performance from filly La Girl when she races for the second time in the $250,000 Magic Millions 2YO Clockwise Classic at Ballarat.
La Girl finished fourth on debut in the Group Three Ottawa Stakes (1000m) for two-year-old fillies on November 5 when she raced greenly on the straight course at Flemington.
The filly has since led and won an 800m jump-out at Ballarat in the clockwise direction in preparation for Saturday’s 1000m race, the only race in Victoria run in the clockwise direction.
The Magic Millions 2YO Clockwise Classic is a chance for two-year-olds in Victoria to compete and get experience racing in that direction as a lead-up towards the $2 million Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast in January.
NSW and Queensland race in the clockwise direction.
Hayes is convinced La Girl has improved since her debut.
“She was very green that day,” Hayes said.
“She did a lot wrong but still ran fourth and it was still a very good run.
“She got a bit lost down the straight. I think she’ll be much better around the bend and race experience helps too.
“Since then we’ve targeted her at this race. She’s adapted well to working on her Sydney leg.
“She has nice speed and I think from barrier nine she should be able to cruise across and sit outside the lead.
“She looks like she has improved.”
Along with the Ballarat jump-out last Thursday, Hayes said La Girl has also been able to work in the clockwise direction at Flemington.
“She seems really professional and I don’t think it will be a problem,” he said.
“She looks fantastic and I think she’ll be in the money, anyway.”
La Girl is one of four two-year-olds in the field of 11 who have had a race.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained colt Rathlin, who was unplaced in the Maribyrnong Plate on debut, was the $3.30 favourite on Wednesday with La Girl on the third line of betting at $4.80.
