Les Bridge says the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes on Queen Elizabeth Stakes Day could be the next target for Avoid Lightning. Picture: Simon Bullard
Source: News Corp Australia
THE move to Sydney has clearly agreed with Avoid Lightning after the mare powered through the slush to win the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m).
Avoid Lightning ($6.50) was having just her second start for Randwick horseman Les Bridge, and survived a photo finish to win by a short half head from Plucky Belle ($5), with a length to Aerobatics ($8.50).
Bridge said Avoid Lightning had no joy last start at Randwick, and was always going to take a power of beating.
Avoid Lightning only arrived at Bridge’s stable after she ran out of suitable races in Adelaide, and the owners wanted softer tracks.
Avoid Lightning and jockey Tim Clark. Picture: Simon Bullard
Source: News Corp Australia
“She didn’t have any luck the other day, but Tim (Clark) was able to get to the outside today, which I was pleased about,’’ Bridge said.
“She’s a good honest mare. She’s not a mare who has had a lot of racing, so she might have a few more stakes races in her.’’
Bridge said the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes on Queen Elizabeth Stakes Day could be the next target for Avoid Lightning.
Avoid Lightning came down the outside and looked home, only for the resuming Plucky Belle to charge along the inside and almost pinch it.
Avoid Lightning comes down the outside and looks home, only for the resuming Plucky Belle to charge along the inside and almost pinch it.
Source: News Corp Australia
Clark, like Bridge, knew Avoid Lightning deserved more luck after Randwick, and she’d be better again on a firmer deck.
“She got through the ground all right today, but she’ll be even better when it gets a bit firmer, and she can show the good turn of foot she’s got.’’ Clark said.
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