This was published 3 months ago
Bott backs Sir Lucan to bounce back in Winter Cup
By Chris Roots
Tulloch Lodge trainer Adrian Bott was left looking for a reason why Sir Lucan didn’t meet punters expectations in last week’s Lord Mayors Cup, so it’s a good sign that the stayer is backing up in the Winter Cup at Rosehill on Saturday.
Although Eliyass took out the Lord Mayors Cup (2000m) on his Australian debut for the stable, the feeling was that Sir Lucan would be in the finish as well, but he dropped out after leading to the turn.
Sir Lucan might be looking for the 2400m of the Winter Cup at Rosehill on Saturday.Credit: Getty
“He might not have enjoyed the really heavy conditions on Saturday,” Bott said. “That may have just found him out. It was very disappointing.
“He had to do a bit of work from a wide draw and maybe was looking for the 2400m, so I can find a few excuses for him. It wasn’t the run we all expected.
“His first two runs were excellent, particularly in the Gosford Cup, that was very encouraging and brave. I think that track at Newcastle was better than what he was on last start.
“A better track at Rosehill and the extra trip is in his favour, and he is very well at home.”
Sir Lucan was Lord Mayors Cup favourite on the back of his brave runner-up effort behind Hezashocka in the Gosford Cup. He ran third in the Geelong Cup over 2400m behind Ashrun and Amade in the spring.
“He is a stayer that has run his best races for us beyond 2000m,” Bott said. “We have backed him up quickly before and he ran well.”
Sir Lucan remains well respected in the Winter Cup betting as the $3.80 second pick behind wet-tracker Hopeful, which is also on the seven-day back-up after a hard closing second in the Lord Mayors Cup.
Bott, who trains in partnership with Gai Waterhouse, also has the likely race leader in Youth Spirit. The Camelot six-year-old, which was bought after running in the English Derby and St Leger three years ago, is yet to find the winner’s stall in Australia.
The front-running stayer dropped out quickly last time at Randwick on a testing track but will like the firmer footing on Saturday.
“Youth Spirit is similar to Sir Lucan in that he was good first up and then was plain second up,” Bott said. “He has to bounce back, but he’s looking for the 2400 now as well.
“He hasn’t captured his European form, that’s very fair to say, and he has been a little bit frustrating in that regard.
“He might just need a bit of confidence, and hopefully this is the right time of year for him to find it.”
Bott will be at Eagle Farm where Knights Order is chasing a second Brisbane Cup, a race he won in 2021. He has also won a Sydney Cup, so the 3200m will not be a problem.
“He loves two miles and we just try to target these races,” Bott said.
Ryan looking towards the Oaks with blueblood Lady Justice
Domeland trainer Sara Ryan went looking for a classic filly at last year’s sales and wanted the right breeding.
Coolmore stallion Justify was at the top of her list, and, when she came across a filly bred on the same lines as Learning To Fly, Ryan knew she had to have it. That filly now races as Lady Justice.
Trainer Sara RyanCredit: Getty
“That Justify-Fastnet Rock mare cross just works, but she has always been a filly with some scope that was more of an Oaks type than a two-year-old,” Ryan said. “I couldn’t believe I got her for $100,000, because she was my type of filly but she just needed time.
“I can’t wait to see her at a mile, but this preparation is important to get her a base.”
Ryan was delighted with Lady Justice’s debut third at Hawkesbury over 1300m knowing she will improve as she steps up in trip. She expects to see that as Lady Justice steps to 1400m at Rosehill on Saturday.
“She is a classic filly and I think she is going to be better next time around,” Ryan said. “These type of horses show talent from the beginning like she does.
“I really like her.
“This preparation is about learning about racing a bit. She is going to need to get out to a mile to show her best, and I would like to try her in the better fillies races in the spring.
“The way she is improving, she is going to run a great race on Saturday and I think we have something to work with. She is very handy.”
There has been a nibble for Lady Justice at longer odds after she opened up a $26 chance. The best price available is now $21 in a race where the more natural two-year-olds are favourite.
Sovereign Hill, which chased home Emirate last time, is the $3.20 top pick, and Depth Of Character, which won on debut, is at $4.40.
Ryan also takes So Good So Cool to Rosehill for the Midway Handicap for his second run this preparation.
“He is an improver and always takes a step forward second up. I was very happy with his first run and he will also run well,” Ryan said.
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