Lamia Bale claims Laurels


Lamia Bale completed a remarkable three weeks of racing by taking out the Group 2 Macro Meats Laurels at Sandown Park this afternoon.

Sent to the boxes an easing $7 chance, Lamia Bale began well and mustered speed brilliantly going into the first turn before Lady Ronray scooted around the outside and assumed the lead. Lamia Bale checked off Lady Ronray’s heels and took off after the Sydneysider, and despite spotting her several lengths down the back straight, finished too strong to get up in the last stride and claim the $50,000 first prize in 29.45 seconds.

“It was a top effort,” said trainer Heather Collins.

“I wasn’t sure what Lady Ronray was capable of but I knew if Lamia Bale sat close enough she should be good enough to get through.”

The win was her second Sandown Park group race victory within 10 days having already claimed the Group 3 Sir John Dillon Memorial, and was her fourth win in five starts in December. Despite the heavy workload, Collins was confident Lamia Bale could handle it.

“We knew her capabilities and what she needed to do between starts to keep her fresh. She’s told us that she could do it, her mannerisms in the kennel tells us everything. It’s all worked out well, I’m very pleased.”

Lamia Bale has now won 11 races and $135,645 from 35 career starts.

Earlier in the day, Group 1 Macro Meats Sapphire Crown winner claimed the Banjo Boy at Stud Special Event in a dazzling 29.27, completing an outstanding 2014 for the Jeff Britton trained chaser that saw her claim over $126,000 in prize money from 15 Sandown Park starts.

 

Click here for full results of the Group 2 Macro Meats Laurels.

 

Lamia Bale scores a last stride win to claim her second Group title