Lux Libertas (NZ) (Almanzor) continued to make every post a winner at Te Rapa on Sunday, collecting a fourth-consecutive victory in the Waikato Construction 1400 with plenty left in store.
Since breaking her maiden in late July, Lux Libertas was unbeatable in her following two starts over 1200m, and punters had every faith a step up to 1400m would pose no issue for the mare, starting her the $2.30 favourite ahead of Fancypants ($4.30).
After travelling closer to the speed at her most recent appearance at Matamata, regular rider Warren Kennedy took a more conservative approach from the jump, easing her back to third-last in the early stages.
A keen pacemaker in Midnight Scandal maintained a strong tempo throughout the running and the field compressed turning for home, with Lux Libertas held up for clear air behind the leader until a gap opened at the 200m.
Kennedy released the mare and she stormed into the lead with considerable ease, drawing clear by three-quarters of a length at the post to a tough Midnight Scandal and Belles Beau.
Having ridden Lux Libertas at each of her four successes to date, Kennedy was pleased with her progress while indicating she still has further ringcraft to develop.
“It was more of what we expect, I think she is a stakes mare and she’s progressing really well,” he said.
“I said last time that her win was better than what it looked like, so today the plan was to ride her really quietly and get there as late as possible as she can get to the front easily and gawk around a bit.
“I just bided my time and when the gaps presented themselves there was a little bit of a wait, but when I asked her to quicken, she’s loomed up pretty easily and was gawking around a bit so I had to give her a reminder, but she’s won with a bit in hand.
“She’s capable anywhere from 1200 up to possibly a mile given the right circumstances of the race, but where they’ve got her now at the 12-14, that’s probably her niche at the moment.
“As she gets older with more racing experience, she’ll do the mile no problem.”
Kylie Bax is a co-owner of the Almanzor four-year-old, who is prepared by the flying stable of Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott.
“It’s so thrilling, every time I just hope she will run well and get a good run, and Warren’s given her a great ride,” Bax said.
“He always is cool, calm and collected and gives her every possible chance.
“I was a little bit concerned about the step-up in distance, but Warren was never concerned about that and she’s presented really well, her coat is in great order.
“She was very calm in the birdcage as well, so that gave me a bit of hope.
“I would love to see her step-up into some stakes races, but I’m going to leave that all to Wexford for plan out. I think she’s got the goods.”
Out of a Makfi mare Miss Fi, Lux Libertas was bred by Graham and Helen-Gaye Bax alongside JML Bloodstock, and has won four of her six starts with over $78,000 in stakes earned for connections.
