The Peters’ family and trainer Michael Grantham have outlined Ascot carnival plans for Luvnwar after she doubled up at Pinjarra on Saturday, attacking the line strongly to claim an impressive win in the Hygain Handicap (1400m).
Punters had to wait until the final race on the programme, but the four-year-old justified her $1.60 TAB Touch quote, coming away to defeat Speed Demon by a neck margin after jockey Clint Johnston-Porter weaved a path between runners.
It’s a cameo winter campaign only for Luvnwar, she’s done enough this time in with feature race plans later this year top of mind and she heads to the paddock undefeated after scoring first up over 1200m at Pinjarra two weeks prior.
“Really happy with the two starts she’s had this time in,” Liam Peters said on Tabradio.
“She looks like an absolute weapon and Michael’s had her right on point for these last two runs.
“All eyes are looking to the carnival.”
Peters said the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) is the main target for Luvnwar.
“Ideally, yeah,” Peters said.
“It’s nice to have the option of dropping back to those mare races, but I think the mile is her sweet spot.
“It would be the top goal to go there.
“She’ll go for a little break now and freshen up for the carnival.”
Luvnwar leaves her racing preparation on better terms than last year, giving the Peters’ family and Grantham renewed confidence ahead of her Ascot carnival assault.
The daughter of War Decree ran second in the Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) and was turned out after being unplaced in the Peters’ Classic (1500m) and Jungle Dawn Classic (1400m).
“She’s come back a much bigger, stronger mare,” Peters said.
“A bit more professional, a bit smarter, she knows what needs to be done and where the finish line is.
“I don’t think it was anything done that was particular, other than general things to keep her happy.
“Everything has gone smoothly as opposed to last prep where she put in that off run towards the end where we weren’t really sure what to do after that.
“I’m really happy with the two starts she’s had this time in, and we couldn’t ask any more of her.”
Luvnwar’s latest Pinjarra success took her to five wins and four placings from 12 race appearances with prizemoney just under $300,000.
