Again Michael Lakey has timed Risk Aversion’s preparation beautifully at a big Group 1 race.
The daughter of Encosta De Lago was set for the Group 1 Tatts Tiara over the winter carnival and it is fair to say she was extremely unlucky to not win that race when she was held up for clear running and burst through late to only be beaten 1.3L into 6th position. That would have added great value to her as a broodmare but Lakey gets his chance again in three weeks’ time when ‘Risky’ eyes off the Group 1 Coolmore 1500m.
One of the best lead-ups is the Group 3 Millie Fox which was run on Saturday at Rosehill. Red Tracer was an odds-on favourite. She booted clear at the 200m but knocked up late with Risk Aversion cutting the margin down to a nose. Risk Aversion seems like a horse who enjoys balancing up and although I don’t think she resents the whip, in my opinion she seems to respond to hands and heels and just the occasional wake up with the persuader, and she did finish off well like that Saturday.
I’ve been wrong plenty of times before but the 1500m off a three week break simply suit this horse perfectly and she will again acquit herself well. She would most likely enjoy the sting out but Lakey couldn’t be happier with her progression. “She was fantastic and pulled up pretty well in the wind. You would have liked a trial or jump out leading into it but we had her pretty close to the mark anyhow.” Lakey said
If the track happened to have the sting out it would be perfect for the mare too. Her two starts last prep were a bit below her best but they were on very firm ground and may not have been to her liking.
The only problem for the QLD’er is now she has to make the field! That 2nd on the weekend may well get her in and she does deserve her crack.
A couple of others in the stable going well are Rare Ruby and Special Lie who are nominated for the 3 year old race Saturday and will be competitive if they line up.
One thing I know is if ‘Risky’ chimes in at the 100m those southerners will need a good one to beat her in three weeks’ time and no one will be cheering harder for Michael than me. He is simply a top bloke and the more like him we have in racing the better off we will be!
