Lubiton toughs it out in Mona Lisa Stakes

Darryl Sherer - Friday September 1

Lubiton proved too strong as she led home the quinella for trainer Bjorn Baker in Friday's Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong.

Advertisement
Lubiton winning the Mona Lisa Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart

After setting in second place behind Slumber Party, Lubiton ($3.20 fav) came with her challenge around the home turn to strike the front, staying on strongly to hold out Imposing Lass ($5) by three-quarters of a length with Hetty Heights ($7) a short head away third.

Lubiton had raced on the speed when winning first-up at Canterbury on August 16 and Baker told Sky Racing the Mona Lisa was run to suit.

"I think the way the race panned out it probably helped both horses as they will definitely get over further," Baker said.

"They've got a bombproof racing pattern and that worked out beautifully today.

"Lubiton was brave - you've got to be forward today and it was an excellent effort."

Baker tried both Lubiton and Imposing Lass over 2400m at Group I level last preparation and Baker said he will have to reassess their optimum distances.

"I think they are probably more middle distance horses but we'll have to have a think about where we go with both of them," Baker said.

"There's a pretty good race at Newcastle (Tibbie Stakes) coming up and there's the Golden Pendant in three weeks so we'll have to have a big think.

"It's great to get a Listed win with Lubiton and Steve Gillard (owner) has been a big supporter of the stable. She's a valuable mare now being by Snitzel."

Glyn Schofield said Lubiton appreciated the 4.5kg drop in weight from her previous start.

"It was a reproduction of her last win, she was really strong at Canterbury with the big weight," Schofield said

"She lengthened more than quickened around the turn - it was a good tough win."

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Wednesday February 4
Here is the full list of 46 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
El Vencedor Ready to Defend G1 Herbie Dyke
El Vencedor has been given the green light to defend his title in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.
$240,000 Night of Thunder Mare Mount Bona Tops Inglis Digital
Mount Bona (Night of Thunder) – a winner of her past three starts for Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich – topped today’s Inglis Digital February (Early) Online Sale, realising $240,000.
The Autumn Sun 3YO Wins Inglis Xtra Bonus on Debut
With inspections in full swing at Riverside Stables for the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale starting this Sunday it only seemed fitting that a three year-old purchased from that sale in 2024 would take out the Inglis Xtra Bonus Maiden (1200m) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Two Straight for Brother to G1W Switzerland - Brother at Inglis Easter
Down to a field of six with the top weight Master Of The Air likely to start in Saturday’s G2 Autumn Stakes at Caulfield and the other scratched runner racing earlier in the day, the Michael Freedman trained Decorum, a brother to G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Switzerland, recorded consecutive wins.
Price-Kent Trained Mare Chasing Kiwi G1
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr-trained Knobelas will tackle 2000m for the first time when she contests the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.
Vale Think About It – Everest Winner Gone Too Soon
The great champion So You Think sired many outstanding horses, but none faster than brilliant sprinter Think About It, winner of the $20million The Everest in 2023.
Lucky Vega Filly Wins by Daylight!
Lucky Vega (IRE) had the first two home in the 1000m juvenile maiden at Eagle Farm on Wednesday with the Rob and Annabel Archibald trained filly Cherry Bomshell turning the race into a procession.
Cool Classic Stars for Newhaven Park
Newhaven Park are being kept busy at Inglis Classic inspections this week with a draft of 14 that showcases eight youngsters by the farm’s promising young sire Cool Aza Beel.
People at Classic - Inspections Are Busy
Maree McEwan has been out and about talking to some of the major players at the Inglis Classic Sale where it’s fair to say things are busy with a big buying bench limbering up for Sunday’s kick off.