Sheila Hunting Back to Back Cups
- Thursday, 05 September 2002 00:00
It might be the most difficult mountain for a
trainer in this part of the world to climb, but Melbourne Cup history-maker Sheila Laxon
is serious about her next attempt at Australasias most famous race.Even though Forlorna, her candidate for this years Flemington two-miler lacks the classic-winning form of Ethereal, Laxon is confident that the Irish-bred mare has the potential for the task at hand.
Laxon was full of enthusiasm after putting the seven-year-old through her paces at Matamata this morning with a workout on the course proper.
She felt awesome and took forever to pull up, she said as Forlorna cooled off. This time round she is so much stronger and I think shes finally ready for a big preparation.
Laxon has trained the daughter of Epsom Derby winner Nashwan since she was imported to New Zealand as a maiden four-year-old. Although Forlorna has not been successful since the summer of 2000-01 when she put together four wins, her last start produced a half-length second to Bodie in the Gr.3 Rotorua Cup in May.
The onset of winter tracks then kept her away from the races, but a trial at Te Awamutu next week should have her ready for a return. A likely first-up target is the Team Wealleans Matamata Cup on September 28, the same race that put Ethereal on the path to her fantastic Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double last year.
I know its a tall order, but Im confident of her staying ability and with 49kg she does get into the Melbourne Cup with a luxury weight, said Laxon.
PIC - Quentin
Lang.
Media Release - TNZ