Blueblood filly wins at second start

Bruce Stewart Journalist

Despite being wide or parked for most of the trip, the Darren Keast trained Luxmi (Bettor’s Delight) proved too tough for seven rivals at Winton today.

Driver Mark Hurrell was forced to snag Lumix back from her wide draw and when he decided to move forward he was left three wide at the 1200 metres before she landed in the parked position.

Turning in, Luxmi took a narrow lead and went down to the line to win by three quarters of a length from Red Hot Filly Pepper with Shezastranger a length and a half back in third.

“They weren’t doing that much and conditions were pretty average out there. There was a strong head wind over the back and a good tail wind up the straight. It was a bit of a dash home but she got her head in front round the bend and kept it there and that’s all that matters,” Hurrell said.

On a wet track and in windy conditions the mile was run in 2-00.1.

“He (Keast) told me to drive her for one run but we were going so slow and I thought we’re not going to feature if we’re back here. She still felt strong to the line. It was a good effort. She’ll only continue to get better and should win a couple more races. She feels handy enough.”

Raced by Keast’s grandparents Paul and Pauline Renwick, Lumix is out of Luisanabelle Midfrew which was bred by John and Rebecca Mooney who also raced her.

Trained by Nigel McGrath she won six races including the Group One Breeders Stakes in 2016 and a Listed NZ Yearling Sales Final.