Imposing Lass has passed her first serious stamina test when she outstayed her rivals in the Gold Coast Bracelet.
Imposing Lass, the $3 favourite, was having her first attempt at 1800m on Saturday and led throughout with Jason Collett aboard to defeat Self Esteem ($11) by a half length.
“She’s a bombproof filly who does everything right and once she found the front she was always going to take a lot of running down,” Jack Bruce, foreman for trainer Bjorn Baker, said.
“Once Jason got her to settle she was able to kick strongly because she’s a very push-button type of filly.
“Every time Bjorn has raised the bar with her she’s handled it pretty easily.”
Collett said the on-pace racing pattern of Imposing Lass made it difficult for her rivals.
“When she can run her final 600-metre sectionals in a tick over 34 seconds it makes it very hard for the others to run her down,” he said.
The Group One Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 4 is the ultimate goal for Imposing Lass who will have her final lead-up in the Group Two The Roses (2000m) at Doomben on May 21.
Blake Shinn was full of praise for the effort of Self Esteem.
“She just keeps fighting and gives it everything she’s got,” he said.
Robbie Fradd said the Clarry Conners-trained Dawnie Perfect was on target for the Oaks after finishing fifth.
“I was at her the whole way and she’s definitely going to be suited when she steps up to the 2400 metres at Eagle Farm in the Oaks,” he said.
