17 Dec 2017
Zabeel mare Lizzy L'Amour has anchored a Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained trifecta in the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa.
It was the stable's fifth win in the race in the past seven years, having earlier produced Lady Kipling (2011), Diademe (2013), Sports Illustrated (2014) and Coldplay last year for success in the weight-for-age fillies and mares feature.
It was the turn on Saturday of Lizzie L’Amour, who 12 months earlier claimed top honours in the Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m).
The Zabeel mare was making her first appearance since a disappointing spring campaign in Melbourne where she failed to flatter in four appearances.
“In Australia she didn’t exhibit this sort of form and I don’t know why – she’s not called Dizzy Lizzie for nothing,” Baker said.
“She had been working well though.”
Lizzie L’Amour sat outside the leader Stolen Dance and she finished bravely under rider Matthew Cameron.
“She’s obviously a very good mare when she’s right and it was a good ride from Matt, he got his tactics right,” Baker said.
The favourite Love Affair did well to come from the back of the field, on a day when there was a bias toward on pace runners, to finish runner-up in her first crack at weight-for-age.
Stolen Dance boxed on strongly for third.
“It’s very satisfying and a big surprise, I thought Love Affair would be very hard to beat,” Baker said.
“She’s a very good horse and her turn will come.”
Lizzie L’Amour will now defend her crown in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) on Boxing Day at Ellerslie where she will renew her rivalry with Stolen Dance.
Plans for Love Affair have yet to be confirmed. – NZ Racing Desk