Trainer Reece Goodwin says it will be good to set a program towards a Stakes race rather than plan a campaign around restricted races after Lovelycut scored at Sandown.
Lovelycut took out the Sportsbet Photo Finish Refund Handicap (1200m) on Saturday to give the trainer a victory with a horse that had not been tried previously in another stable.
Ridden by Melbourne’s leading rider Damian Lane, Lovelycut ($3.60) scored a 1-¼ length win from Last Druid ($5.50) with Cardiologist ($26) a neck away third.
“We’ve had two metropolitan winners previously and they’ve both been with tried horses,” Goodwin said.
“This is one of the first fillies that we have brought out of the sales and to be here competing against James Harron and Godolphin and running over the top of them like that, it’s pretty exciting.
“And it’s great to have Damian Lane in the saddle. He obviously knew what he felt under the saddle at Pakenham and for her to continue on, that is probably the best part of today.”
Goodwin said he would now consider a break for Lovelycut with the idea of bringing the filly back for the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield next month.
“I think I’ll look at the Quezette Stakes, or we give her that extra time and aim for something at the back of spring,” Goodwin said.
“It’s a good problem to have as you generally don’t have to plan too far ahead with 58 or 64 grade horses, but we’ve got a good one hopefully.”
Lovelycut won on the Pakenham synthetic earlier in the month with Lane aboard and Goodwin said he had been chasing the jockey to ride the filly well before her debut back in March.
“I was thankful we got him at Pakenham, and it was a couple days later that we identified this race together and he was keen to stick with her,” Goodwin said.
“I’m very grateful for it as he’s one of the best jockeys and fingers crossed, he will keep with her going forward.
“I’ve got him pinpointed as one of the best in the world as not many get the chance to ride in Japan.
“They’re pretty tight there and they have to have pretty good ability.”
“That was impressive in the end” – couldn’t agree more!
Nice win by Lovelycut for @RGoodwinRacing
Great result for Reece, a good young bloke going places.
Been a pleasure working with Reece at yearling sales, we identified this filly at @inglis_sales Premier Sale for only $50k! pic.twitter.com/YXNgKwSiH7— Bevan Smith (@bevanbloodstock) July 17, 2024