Star Juvenile To Resume At Belmont

Posted on September 28, 2017September 29, 2017 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

She is small in stature but big in heart who defied the doubters last season.

Lucy Mae was crowned Perth’s best 2YO and her return in the Perth Racing Club Membership Plate (1000m) at Belmont on Saturday holds considerable interest.

Lucy Mae created a big impression when she posted shock wins in the Group 2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) and the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) at Pinjarra.

The $80,000 yearling also ran second in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes (1100m) and Group 3 WA Sires’ Stakes to boost prizemoney to a shade over half a million dollars.

Trainer Ted Martinovich is full of admiration for Lucy Mae and rates her as one of the better horses he’s trained, but admits he’s concerned by her physical development.

“I think in real life you would definitely like her to put on weight and be bigger, but that hasn’t happened,” Martinovich said on TABradio.

“I think it’s going to be a disadvantage, but we really won’t know that until she steps up to the plate and measures up.

“There is not much of her and although she is one of the better ones I’ve had she only weights 410kg.

“People tell me it’s not the size, but the stride they take and she has a good stride and a good motor.

“Thank god what she has is good.”

Lucy Mae tuned up for her low key return by winning a 1000m trial at Belmont on September 18, bursting clear over the final stages.

“She got through it alright,” Martinovich said.

“She didn’t run any great time, but got through it ok and pulled up good which is the main thing.

“It’s a stepping stone to the Belgravia Stakes and maybe the Burgess Queen.

“That’s the actual plan at the moment.”

Lucy Mae will carry 56kg with the 3kg claim of apprentice, Fred Kersley. She holds $4.20 favouritism and in a field of nine starters has drawn ideally in barrier one.