Lakota Fire backed up a dominant maiden win at Morphettville three weeks ago to score narrowly in the Quentin Wallace Handicap (1000m) at Moonee Valley against better opposition, with plenty of options over the Spring.
The father and son training duo appear to have a smart, American bred juvenile on their hands (Sioux Nation x Firemaid) and co-trainer Levi Kavanagh said it was great to see the colt adapt to different circumstances today.
“He certainly settled further back than what I thought he would be but it was just great Damian (Lane) had a nice patient ride and he was strong over the final stages,” Kavanagh said.Lakota Fire came from second last in the field seven as runs came early around the turn and did enough to deny last start maiden winner Pride Of Sullivan by a nose.
“Third start in you don’t really put them down to a set pattern of racing but certainly in his trials and his earlier runs he’s been in a forward position but it just makes him more versatile,” Kavanagh said.
“We’ll see how he pulls up, it’s the start of the Spring, there’s a lot of options around for him.”
Jockey Damian Lane, who notched up his fourth winner of the 2023/24 season, suggested the timing and nature of the win gives Lakota Fire plenty of options.
“Today he had to do it a little bit the opposite of what he’s been doing so he showed good versatility,” Lane said.
“I think they’ll just see how he pulls up and go from there, the beauty about the Spring going so long now, he can probably have a little break and come back for some races towards the end of November, even December,” Lane said.
Both career wins for Lakota Fire have come over 1000m but Lane suggested he should have no issue stepping up in trip as he continues to develop.
“He could keep going if he pulls up well because he feels like to me 1200 will be fine as well so that opens the door to a few more options as well.”
