Life Lessons earns Group 1 shot after Rose Of Kingston win
Life Lessons scores a gutsy win
Life Lessons stared down Princess Grace to cause a minor upset in the Group 2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.
Princess Grace, the $1.60 favourite with TAB when third elect Skew Wiff was scratched at the barriers after playing up in the stalls, had every chance in the run but could not get past Life Lessons.
Life Lessons, one of three Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman starters in the Rose Of Kingston, finished second behind West Australian superstar Amelia's Jewel last start.
The form held up with Life Lessons strong under pressure to worry out Princess Grace and Wrote To Arataki, a gallant third after being strung out three wide without cover the entire journey.
Life Lessons delivered co-trainer Coleman her biggest win to date since joining the Moody ticket.
"We're thrilled with her ... she's come up well after that run behind Amelia's Jewel and she couldn't have done much more that day," Coleman said."She's having a fantastic preparation." @kscoleman joins Katie and Hamish on set after the win of Life Lessons in the Rose of Kingston. pic.twitter.com/XdQPU4ex4Z
- 7HorseRacing ðŸÂÂŽ (@7horseracing) October 7, 2023
"She's maintained her condition. We brought here thinking she'd run very well.
"She's come back stronger and she's a mare in form and if we can keep her happy we'll be in for a very good prep."
Life Lessons will be aimed at the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) on Derby Day at Flemington.
"The way she was finishing that race off there I wouldn't be saying no," Coleman said.
Moody-Coleman stablemates Waltz On By and Shuffle Dancer loomed down the middle of the track but peaked on their respective runs to finish fourth and fifth respectively.
Jockey Daniel Stackhouse executed the race plan to perfection to pilot Life Lessons to victory.
"My plan was to be in front of Princess Grace as I knew that turn-of-foot that I had. Princess Grace would fight hard if I had her in front of me," Stackhouse said.
Godolphin filly announces herself as a real Oaks prospect
Zardozi emerged as a VRC Oaks candidate on Saturday with victory in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m).The Godolphin filly, expertly handled by Sydney-based jockey Chad Schofield, unleashed a strong turn of foot passing the 200m to put a margin on Aprilia and Amazonian Lass.
Schofield endorsed Zardozi's Oaks potential.
"It is a different race altogether with the distance to relax and find a nice rhythm," Schofield said.Zardozi gets out and wins the Edward Manifold! ðŸ‘Â@godolphin@SchofieldChadpic.twitter.com/QliYZjAqM8
- 7HorseRacing ðŸÂÂŽ (@7horseracing) October 7, 2023
"She's going to give herself every opportunity to run the trip and she was incredibly strong through the line there so I can't see why not."
Zardozi is likely to be aimed at the Group 3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) on October 21 at Caulfield.
Share your thoughts