Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Lady Invictus will chase her first Saturday metropolitan victory in the $160,000 Happy Retirement Lynne McLean BM72 3YO Handicap at Randwick. The 1300-metre race is her final chance to win at that level before her three-year-old season ends.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained filly enters Saturday after two midweek city wins and a third-place finish at Rosehill. Tim Clark will ride the $3.60 favourite from barrier nine.
More Australian racing coverage is available in Ciaron Maher Pair Begin Spring Campaigns at Caulfield.
Lady Invictus Earns Randwick Opportunity
Lady Invictus broke her maiden over 1100 metres at Warwick Farm before finishing three-quarters of a length behind Lighthouse Lass at Rosehill. She then defeated Gatwick by a neck in a 1200-metre BM64 contest at Canterbury.
“She’s done well this prep and she deserves that,” Adrian Bott said.
“That Saturday placing was full of merit, so that gives us confidence stepping into this grade on Saturday that she can be competitive like she has been before.”
The daughter of I Am Invincible was purchased for $675,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. A Saturday win would add to an encouraging campaign and give her trainers a clearer guide for future races.
Eviction Notice and Sly Boots Also Engaged
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will also saddle Eviction Notice in the opening 1100-metre two-year-old race. The Silver Slipper Stakes runner-up remains without a win.
Sly Boots will contest the 1800-metre BM78 after finishing 5.5 lengths behind Tazima on a Heavy 9 track. Rachel King will ride the $7.50 chance from barrier nine.
“The key will be the conditions, if he can get that better track it will be much more to his liking,” Adrian Bott said.
Randwick was rated a Soft 6 on Friday, with fine weather forecast. Official fields and results are available through Racing New South Wales.