Group One-winning jockey Damian Lane believes talented juvenile Sword Of Light can bounce back from a last-start failure when she steps out in a Listed race at Flemington.
Sword Of Light impressed with wins at her first two starts including the Group Three Blue Diamond Preview for fillies at Sandown on January 26.
Sword Of Light
But the Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained youngster suffered the first defeat of her career when 10th in the Blue Diamond Prelude for fillies last month.
The filly runs in Saturday’s News Talk Sport Stakes (1000m) and shares the second line of betting at $6.50 in an early market with Selenia the $6 favourite.
“She had a tough run on speed from a bad barrier last start,” Lane said.
“I think she’s trained on well since and has freshened up a little bit.
“I think she’ll show her best on Saturday. I think she’s working better now than she was before the Prelude.”
Lane claimed his second Group One win last Saturday when he partnered the Peter Moody-trained Flamberge in the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield which he said was a great thrill.
“Especially doing it for owner David Moodie who is a great supporter of mine,” Lane said.
Moodie is also an owner of Sword Of Light who is closely related to Flamberge, being out of a half-sister to the Group One sprinter.
Lane’s book of Flemington rides is headlined by classy filly Risque in the Group One Australian Guineas.
