An outstanding first-up performance has put the writing on the wall for Lubrication to build on what has been a breakout year when he tackles the Group Three George Moore Stakes at Doomben.
The gelding scored the most significant win of his career when successful in the $1 million The Archer (1300m) at Rockhampton in May, claiming the scalp of subsequent Group 1 winner Transatlantic.
While that race again looms as a long-term goal, trainer Matt Dunn’s immediate focus is on Saturday’s George Moore Stakes (1200m) in which Lubrication will chase a maiden black-type success.
It will be no easy assignment against the likes of topweight Caballus and defending titleholder Hidden Wealth, but Dunn has taken heart from Lubrication’s slashing return over the same course and distance when he just missed behind Caspernova on November 15.
“He really stepped up last prep and I think he’s come back a bit better,” Dunn said.
“He has never run as well as that first-up in his life. He’d had five first-up goes and run third once.
“He had to go all the way back from a crumby gate and he finished his race off really well. He just missed the bob.
“He’s going great, and I think he’ll be very competitive on Saturday.”
Lubrication has a terrific record over the Doomben 1200m circuit where he has raced eight times for two wins and three placings.
Dunn believes he is capable of making his mark over the summer ahead of a possible tilt at back-to-back wins in The Archer.
“Things need to fall into place in terms of the timing of his prep but certainly, he’s got a slot and if it fits in well we’ll be going there again for sure,” he said.
