3 minute read

Lucas Cranach provided trainer Anthony Freedman with a first Group winner in his own name when winning last years Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield.

He looked set to provide Freedman with many more but injury intervened and unfortunately Lucas Cranach was retired when in all likelihood at the peak of his powers.

Its not all doom and gloom, though, as the stable looks a big chance of defending their Peter Young crown with another German import in Mawingo.

Mawingo rates on top on Racing And Sports ratings with his peak figure recorded winning last years Doomben Cup seeing him rate well clear.

Mawingo – 58.5

Prairie Star – 55

Mawingo is the only horse in the field with a figure that exceeds, albeit narrowly, Racing And Sports’ average class figure for the Peter Young (previously St George) Stakes.

There was not much to split Mawingo and Mr Moet in the Orr Stakes, both running above expectation to fill the minors over a seemingly unsuitable 1400m.

Both are better suited going to 1800m today but it is Mawingo who appeals most having been first up last time out and having that lofty peak rating in the form book.

Mawingo is capable of improving 3kgs on what he showed in the Orr to reach his established peak and with just 14 starts to his name there is a chance we may not have seen the best of him yet.

If he does produce that level of form the field has 2-3 lengths (tempo/going dependent) to make up on him and that will likely prove beyond them.