Alabama Lass up for Aussie test at Flemington races

Talented New Zealand filly Alabama Lass has already proven her versatility by winning on both right-handed and left-handed tracks. Now, she faces a new challenge—taking on the straight course at Flemington in her Australian debut.

Alabama Lass has traveled to Melbourne to compete in the Listed HKJC World Pool Sprint Classic (1200m) on Saturday, showcasing the ability that has made her a standout in New Zealand.

Experienced trainers Ken and Bev Kelso have had success bringing horses to Australia, most notably winning the Group 1 Australian Guineas in 2023 with Legato. Their stable has also seen success at Flemington with Levante.

With five wins from eight starts and three runner-up finishes—two of which were in Group 1 company—Alabama Lass has been on the cusp of even greater success. However, wet tracks have posed a challenge for her, particularly in the Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton and the Railway Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie.

“We stretched her out to a mile at Riccarton and she’ll probably never go another mile in her life, but we did that as it’s the only Group 1 three-year-old fillies race in New Zealand,” Kelso said.

“Unfortunately, it rained quite a bit in the morning, and it was slow by the time she raced.

“Then in the Railway, we were a bit unlucky. It stayed fine all through Karaka Day and then the rain came about an hour before our race.

“She was very brave on both of those rain-affected tracks. She deserved to fold up in the Guineas over a mile, but she kept on going and if she had not met those, she may have well been unbeaten as a three-year-old.”

Alabama Lass bounced back with an authoritative win in the Group 3 King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie on March 8, where she turned the tables on Crocetti, who had beaten her in the Railway Stakes.

Crocetti has since been confirmed as Entain New Zealand’s representative in the $4 million slot race, The Quokka (1200m), at Ascot next month.

“She won impressively that day,” Kelso said.

“Luckily, we got a good track, and she won well, so after that we’ve decided to roll the dice and have a go at Flemington.”

While the straight track presents a fresh challenge, the Kelsos have taken precautions by booking renowned jockey Craig Williams for the ride.

“She has to adapt to the straight,” Kelso said.

“It’s a different scenario, so that is why we’ve elected to go with an Australian jockey in Craig Williams as he knows how to ride the straight.

“She doesn’t have to lead. Earlier, if something had taken her on, she was able to take a sit. She’s pretty tractable, she’s not a mad tearaway that has to lead from the front.”