Slick return has Lubrication ready to rumble in 2025 George Moore Stakes

Lubrication has put his hand up for a strong summer campaign after a powerhouse first-up performance that sends him into the Group Three George Moore Stakes at Doomben full of confidence.

The gelding enjoyed a breakout moment in May when winning the $1 million The Archer (1300m) at Rockhampton, defeating future Group 1 star Transatlantic.

While a defence of that title is a major long-term objective, trainer Matt Dunn is locked in on Saturday’s George Moore Stakes (1200m) as Lubrication bids to secure his first black-type win.

Caballus and reigning champion Hidden Wealth headline a deep field, but Lubrication’s electrifying first-up finish behind Caspernova — beaten only a whisker — has Dunn more than encouraged.

“He really stepped up last prep and I think he’s come back a bit better,” Dunn said.

“He has never run as well as that first-up in his life. He’d had five first-up goes and run third once.

“He had to go all the way back from a crumby gate and he finished his race off really well. He just missed the bob.

“He’s going great, and I think he’ll be very competitive on Saturday.”

Doomben’s 1200-metre course has been kind to the gelding in the past, yielding two wins and three placings from eight outings.

Dunn says a return to The Archer remains the likely path should Lubrication continue in the same vein.

“Things need to fall into place in terms of the timing of his prep but certainly, he’s got a slot and if it fits in well we’ll be going there again for sure,” he said.

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