On a day when some horses have had to contend with foreign track conditions, Lashes has demonstrated her versatility in the wet at Rosehill.
Saturday’s surface was rated a heavy 8 for the first time since August and while some runners struggled, Lashes lived up to her favouritism in the Lou Cox Handicap (1100m).
The win was her fourth overall and her second in as many starts after she was successful on Randwick’s Kensington track two weeks ago.
Jason Collett steered the $1.80 favourite along the fence and she strode clear to beat Echo Gem ($7) by a comfortable two lengths.
Trainer Matthew Smith said the lightly raced mare had benefited from a long spell which had helped resolve a hoof problem which had previously needed artificial filler.
“The hoof has had time and it has grown back,” Smith said.
“It was a bit ballsy by Jason going up the rails but the track is in good nick and he made the right decision.
“It has been a long time since I have seen them get up the fence here on a heavy 8 that makes it a good win.”
Smith said the early autumn mares’ races should suit Lashes as connection strive to get her a black-type win.
“She has the ability and she will be nice and forward in condition when those races come around so we might have a bit of a fitness edge on the others,” he said.
Godolphin filly Enfleurage finished third behind Lashes at Randwick and franked the form of the race when she won the Jack Ashman Handicap (1300m) as an $11 chance, beating favourite Big Parade ($3.20) by 1-1/4 lengths.
“She is a quick filly and we thought she would have the speed to dictate the speed,” trainer James Cummings said.
“She has responded to being taken through her grades and she had the Lashes form.
“We have taken baby steps and now I think you will see her in fringe black-type races sooner rather than later.”
