La Passe has produced one of the day’s big upsets at Flemington this afternoon; completing a perfectly-timed performance for success in the Group 2 Blazer Stakes (1400m) ahead of Manageress.
Michelle Payne delivered a gem of a ride aboard La Passe for success in the Blazer Stakes. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
La Passe was drawn amongst a particularly talented field of mares, in a somewhat wide draw and was given virtually no chance of success at a quote of $41 prior to jump.
Leaving from the gates well and settling slightly worse than mid-field, the Street Sense mare held position on the fence with cover until jockey Michelle Payne elected to peel out and begin pressing forward rounding onto the final straight.
Appearing to have a little too great of a task in catching a runway Hazard and Tycoon Tara, La Passe produced a massive sprint over the final 200m to break through for a maiden black type victory.
Payne delivered a ride beyond her years for success in the 2015 Blazer Stakes and was thrilled to delivered trainer Darren Weir the black type win.
“It’s a huge thrill. The plan was to get a little black type with her today,” Payne said.
“She landed in a beautiful position, she’s the sweetest ride, she just travelled beautiful where she landed.
“We didn’t have a lot of room coming into the straight and she took a nice tight gap.
“As soon as I gave her a couple behind the saddle she really extended for me and was great to the line.
“You see it time and time again with Darren Weir’s horses they can hold their form and she was great today.”
Weir was pleased with La Passe’s success in the 2015 Blazer Stakes and confirmed he will likely look to step the mare up to 1600m following her performance this afternoon.
“She’s had a really good prep,” Weir said after the race.
“We sort of just threw her in the deep end just chasing a bit of black type because she’s a multiple city winner now.
“I said to Michelle just go out and try and ride her to get a place and she rode her beautiful.
“The owners are breeders so it was important for her breeding to get her a Group 2 win, and who knows from here.”
In taking out the 2015 Blazer Stakes, La Passe has now posted an impressive five wins and two minors through only 12 career starts.
