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.

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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."

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