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...
$1.6Million for Sister to Caffe Florian
Three year-old Snitzel filly Caffe Florian has been one of the finds of the summer in Sydney reeling off three successive wins culminating with a Black Type success in the Listed Gosford Guineas and her full sister lit up the Magic Millions sale ring on Thursday selling for $1.6million.
$1.6million Snitzel Filly Stars at MM Day 3
The latest yearling from Arrowfield Stud's grand producer Madame Andree topped Day Three of selling at the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale on Thursday.
Anamoe Colt Bred on Magic Cross Sells for $850,000 to MyRacehorse
The first yearlings by Australian Horse of the Year Anamoe have been in hot demand this week at Magic Millions with two fillies selling for $800,000 and on Thursday that mark was surpassed by a gorgeous colt that made $850,000.
Sires With Winners - Thursday January 15
Here is the full list of 30 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
People at Magic Millions - Day Three
Day Three at Magic Millions and Maree wasn’t finding it difficult to find the love for Frankel, while there’s a great story about a $250,000 sale from a $6,000 service fee with Ben Lucas.
Star Colt and Star Filly Highlight Snitzel Day at Magic Millions
It was Snitzel day at the Magic Millions on Thursday with Arrowfield Stud’s much missed champion sire, who died last year, producing the top selling filly and colt of the day.
$1.1million Frankel Colt Sold by Newgate
Juddmonte Farms based champion sire Frankel has exerted a powerful presence on the Magic Millions this year and had a second million dollar yearling on Thursday when the Newgate Farm consigned colt from Miss Alacrity (USA) sold for $1.1million.
Hot Lots Day Four – Magic Millions
After three days of Book 1 selling, Friday’s super session sees 280 lots catalogued in what will surely be a bumper day in the ring.
Home Affairs Filly Dazzling on Debut for Lindsay Park
The Lindsay Park team have had a week far beyond what we would call tough, but a good horse is often the best tonic and Home Affairs filly Jacaranda scored a dazzling six length debut win at Seymour on Thursday.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Randwick
Three heats won by juveniles at Randwick on Thursday morning and two of those winners were unraced fillies by Home Affairs and Farnan with a half-sister to the latter being sold at Magic Millions on Tuesday and might just be a saleyard gift!