Promising mare Risk Aversion continued to make giant strides to a long-range goal in Sydney next autumn with an impressive victory at Eagle Farm.
Risk Aversion, ridden by star apprentice Timothy Bell, gave trainer Michael Lakey a few moments of concerns before getting up in the last bound in Saturday’s Lyndhurst Stud Handicap (1200m).
The four-year-old nailed Redessi on the line to score by a short head with Cat Eyes a short neck away third.
Risk Aversion broke through for her maiden victory at her second race start in April before scoring an impressive win in her comeback in Class 4 company at Eagle Farm on August 10.
The daughter of Encosta De Lago was entered for a race at Eagle Farm on Wednesday but was scratched when a downpour made the track heavy.
Lakey admitted he was concerned about stepping Risk Aversion up from Class 4 to Saturday grade but in hindsight was glad he took the gamble.
“To be honest I never wanted to start her today,” Lakey said.
“But you never know with horses. She’s a four-year-old who has had problems and things could go wrong again.”
Lakey plans to chase black-type races with Risk Aversion in Brisbane in the coming months which will help decide if she’s capable of measuring up to a Sydney trip next autumn.
Risk Aversion is owned by Gold Coast businessman John Hutchins whose former star Typhoon Tracy won the Coolmore Classic in 2009.
Hutchins is hopeful Risk Aversion can follow a family tradition to win in Group company.
Her half-sister Shania Dane was placed at Group One level while her half-brother Scintillation won three Group One races in Hong Kong.
“John is overseas in China at the moment but he’d love to go back and win the Coolmore with this mare,” Lakey said.
“It was a good win but she gave me heart failure at the 200 metres when I thought she’d run a nice fourth or fifth.
“It’s her pattern to get back in her races.”
Lakey was forced to delay Risk Aversion’s career after she suffered from suspensory problems early in her career.
“She’s seems over those problems but she’s a very light filly and is an average eater,” he said.
“The aim is to win black type with her first then we’ll see how she comes back next campaign before deciding about taking her away.”
AAP TURF
