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Country road trip brings out best in Sierra Sue

3 minute read

A confidence boosting Mildura Cup win has parlayed into victory in the P B Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield for Sierra Sue.

SIERRA SUE.
SIERRA SUE. Picture: Racing Photos

A trip to the one of the furthest points in Victoria has paved the way to a stakes race victory for Sierra Sue at Caulfield

The Mildura Cup would not usually be on the radar for too many as a traditional lead-up to the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes, but it was the race that turned out round the fortunes for Sierra Sue. 

The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained mare gained a confidence boosting win when taking out the Mildura Cup (1400m) on July 23 after finishing out of the money at Flemington over 1600m six days earlier. 

Sierra Sue was a Group 2 winner at Flemington last spring and Young said the stable would like to return to Caulfield in a fortnight's time to tackle the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m). 

Ridden by John Allen, Sierra Sue ($8) raced to a 1-¼ length win from Angel Of Truth ($31) with Red Can Man ($5) a short-head away third. 

"I think that little trip to Mildura has really brought this filly (mare) on," Young said. 

"We always thought she had another good preparation in her and she has shown it today. 

"At Flemington, she peaked 50 metres out, unfortunately paying $19, and we thought there was plenty of improvement in her. 

"I rang Ozzie (Kheir) and said, 'Get her on a float to Mildura, it is a $100,000 race, I think she has come through that race fantastic, just trust me on this'. 

"She came out and won that and she's had a nice three weeks in between and she's come out today and has really got that turn of foot back in her." 

Young said she will talk to the ownership group about plans for the Sierra Sue, but hopes the mare will be back for the Memsie. 

"You can't win Group 1's unless you're in them," Young said 

"We'll have a talk to the owners and see how she pulls up obviously but I would love to see her back here in a couple of weeks." 

Allen, who has a perfect two-from-two strike-rate on Sierra Sue, said the race was run a little slower than what he thought pre-race. 

And when the pace slackened down the side, he allowed Sierra Sue to stride forward. 

"I thought to give her the best chance we were better rolling forward a little bit," Allen said. 

"And it worked out well." 

"She is definitely really come into herself as a five-year-old mare, so I am sure there will be bigger wins in store." 


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