Our outstanding mare Probabeel made another bold statement at Caulfield this afternoon with a stunning victory in the G1 Futurity Stakes.
Off the back of that performance, the daughter of Savabeel is now the equal favourite for the world’s richest mile race on turf, The All-Star Mile.
Despite being posted wide throughout, Probabeel powered down the centre of the track for a facile victory in the hands of Damian Lane.
“It was absolutely incredible. She was caught wide from an awkward draw,” trainer Jamie Richards said.
“We thought we might be a chance to get one off the fence, but Frosty (Damian Lane) wasn’t able to find that spot and she sat deep and when she quickened, she really let go.
“I’d like to give a big thank you to Ashley Handley who is over there and has spent much of the last 12 months travelling around Australia with her and it is a real team effort.
“I am so thrilled for Brendan and Jo Lindsay, who have been such big supporters of the New Zealand thoroughbred industry and buying Cambridge Stud.
“They go to the yearling sales and buy nice fillies to add to their broodmare band.
“I have also become really close with Henry Plumptre, who has got a world of knowledge. I am thrilled for all concerned.
“Three weeks now into the All-Star Mile has always been the plan.
“The best thing about her is she is getting better as she gets older and I think that is a really good trait in New Zealand-bred horses.
“She is by our champion sire Savabeel from a really good Waikato Stud family, bred by Mark Chittick and sold at Karaka to David Ellis.
“She is right up there with the best that we have trained. She is a wonderful mare.”
Probabeel has now won three times at Group 1 level, having previously claimed the Epsom Handicap and the Surround Stakes.
"She's so versatile. She jumped well and I brought her back. I put her in the race early and not many horses can sustain a sprint from as far out as she did," Lane said.
"That's why I asked her early to get on top of them, on top of Behemoth at least. What would take you 100 metres at least, took me about 20 metres.
"I was worried about the cavalry I was pulling into the race on my back. I was lucky she was so tough and the quality of the race was another level from what you saw last start.
"She was too good. She's just so classy and a pleasure to ride."