Lisa Latta and Leith Innes’ confidence in Dijon Bleu’s ability to succeed beyond a mile was given a major boost on Saturday.
The trainer-jockey combination paired up with the high-class filly for a hollow victory in the Gr.3 Metroclad-Terracade Desert Gold Stakes (1600m).
“She gets her head up high and she’s not very big, but she’s a star,” Innes said.
“It will be interesting to see if she gets 2000m, but I don’t see why not.”
Dijon Bleu was tucked in on the rail behind the leaders and once a gap opened up along the fence 250m from home the daughter of Burgundy was through in a flash.
“I had a good chat to Lisa before the race and she said to hold her up,” Innes said.
“I could have got out and rolling 600m from home, but I had no choice and then she exploded when she was clear.”
Dijon Bleu accelerated sharply to record a commanding winning performance with Blanco Belle a game runner-up and Werther’s sister Milseain, in just her second start, an encouraging third.
“She was a bit above herself today and maybe in the 1000 Guineas and the Eulogy Stakes she got there a bit too soon,” said Latta, referring to the filly’s previous two runner-up finishes.
“She’s been thriving on short breaks.”
Dijon Bleu is eligible to run in next Saturday’s Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m), but is unlikely to do so.
“Looking at the weather forecast I don’t want to run her on a hard track,” Latta said.
“We’ll more than likely look at the Sir Tristram Classic next.” – NZ Racing Desk
