HORSE RACING
THE Matt Laurie-trained Algadon Miss announced herself as a potential Stakes contender in the Spring by scoring back-to-back victories at Moonee Valley on Saturday 24 August.
The pint-sized speedster settled in behind the leaders before kicking strongly around the bend to run away with the benchmark 84 victory over the Busuttin/Young-trained Angelic Spirit and Danny O’Brien-trained, Fabric.
Not only was the performance impressive to the eye, but the mare also clocked the quickest time of all four 1200m contests on the day.
The victory bought up Algadons Miss’ fifth victory from eight career starts and continued her unbeaten record at the track, having won all three of her races there.
Mornington-based trainer Matt Laurie said he believes the mare will eventually measure up to Stakes class but isn’t in a rush to send her there until she’s ready.
“I’ve had other horses that have achieved Stakes success that haven’t had as good of a start to their career as she has so you’d have to assume [that she can reach that level],” Laurie said.
“I thought it may have been all a bit too early and possibly the Autumn might be the time to sort of do that, but we’ll have to see what’s there and how she pulls up.”
What has impressed Laurie the most about the mare is the way her racing style has changed from her first preparation to now. Rather than just being a one-dimensional front runner, Algadon Miss has proven to be much more adaptable in her races and be able to settle in a range of positions in the run.
“I like the fact that she’s probably going about it a little bit differently now,” Laurie said.
“She’s relaxing nice and she’s producing when she’s asked and putting them away. All her runs this preparation have been really good and to put two on end again in Saturday racing is very satisfying.”
There are plenty of options for Algadon Miss going forward, but Laurie was toying with the idea of freshening up the lightly framed mare who has already had five runs this preparation before making a plan for her Spring targets.
