Trainer Robbie Griffiths has been thrilled with the form and class displayed by Nadeem Lass this time in and has revealed he will use her performance in Saturday’s Takeover Target Tribute Handicap (1100m) at Flemington to gauge whether or not she is up to the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in late July.
Nadeem Lass will have to overcome the likes of Desert Jeuney (pictured) if to win at Flemington this weekend. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Nadeem Lass has posted three wins and a further 15 minor places through her 35 career starts to date and has failed to finish outside the first three in her six most recent competitive appearances, which have included three at black type level.
Conceding she will line up for her ninth start this time in Saturday’s Flemington sprint, Griffiths told Racing Ahead he could not be more pleased with the work produced by the Nadeem mare since finishing second in the Rod Johnson Handicap (1100m) last time out on June 13th and is confident she will again lay a great account for herself this weekend.
“She can reel off unbelievable sectionals and that was evident last start when she ran second in the sprint,” Griffiths said.
“The plan was always to go down the path of the Leilani Series for the mares but her sprint form is very good and the straight track doesn’t restrict us as much in terms of barrier draws.
“Around the 1400m circuit as everyone is well aware it can be game over from acceptance time so I’ve elected to keep her to the sprint because she was very effective there last time.”
Revealing she will progress to the Listed All Victorian Sprint Series Final (1200m) at Flemington on July 11th, Griffiths believes the 2015 Bletchingly Stakes looks an ideal final point of call for the mare this time in, should results warrant a berth.
“Heads towards the sprint final there on finals day on July 11th and if she’s holding together well and running well enough it flows into the Bletchingly black type Group 3 two weeks later,” he said.
“I’m very happy with the way she’s come through the Flemington run and she ticked over with a nice hit-out yesterday morning.”
Nadeem Lass has been confirmed in a talented field of 15 for Saturday’s Takeover Target Tribute Handicap, which also includes the likes of Desert Jeuney and Hard Romp.
