Talented French stayer nears return after long lay-off

Lastotchka, the staying mare trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, is on the path back to racing after a challenging period following her run in the 2023 Melbourne Cup. The six-year-old, owned by Australian Bloodstock, had a tough outing in the Melbourne Cup, which was her only Australian start to date. Since then, she has undergone colic surgery for a twisted bowel, leading to a long and careful recovery process.

Kent Jnr provided an update on Lastotchka’s progress, noting that she has had a slow and steady build-up to regain fitness. She recently had a quiet jumpout at Cranbourne and trialed at Geelong on Wednesday, signaling her readiness to return to the track. The mare, who boasts an impressive staying record from her time in France, will begin her campaign over a mile, with plans to quickly step up in distance. The ultimate goal is to target races like the Sydney Cup, a 3200m staying test that suits her stamina and preference for softer ground.

Kent Jnr expressed optimism about Lastotchka’s potential, emphasizing that she has acclimatized well to Australian conditions after more than a year Down Under. He noted that she has grown and strengthened, now carrying around 40kg more than she did during her Melbourne Cup run. Her high cadence and potential for a sharp turn of foot have the team excited about what she can achieve this preparation.

While there is still much to learn about Lastotchka in Australian racing, Kent Jnr believes she has the ability to make an impact, particularly in staying races. Her return to the track will be closely watched as she aims to build on her strong European form and establish herself as a contender in the Australian staying ranks.