Coolmore Classic history poses test for Lazzura
Chris Waller's class mare Lazzura heads a two-horse attack in his bid for another Coolmore Classic title in a row, marking the fourth, though a hefty weight stands in her way.
Alongside Manaal, the four-year-old must carry 58kg atop the weights, something no successful mare has done since Sunline hauled 60kg to claim her pair of Coolmore victories back in 2000 and 2002.
Since that time, four have won with 57kg including Zougotcha (2024), Krone from Queensland (2021), Daysee Doom (2018) and Steps In Time (2014).
Waller remains confident in Lazzura's ability despite the hurdle, pointing out that while Zougotcha (2024) and Lady Shenandoah (2025) arrived with Group 1 credentials, Espiona's breakthrough elite win came in the 2023 Coolmore Classic.
"Those two were Group One winners before they got there, but she has been placed at that level," Waller said of Lazzura.
"She's certainly not far off them.
"She was a little bit soft first-up and she has come on nicely. She had another trial last week and she has come through it well."
Her elite minor placing was secured in the previous year's Surround Stakes (1400m), followed by a fourth to fellow stable star Fangirl in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at season's end.
At Rosehill over 1500m she has three starts for a win and two placings, battling right to the wire on resumption when just missing race-sharp Cinsault.
From barrier eight, James McDonald partners Lazzura, as stable companion Firestorm jumps from 12 aiming to go one better than last year's near-miss behind Lady Shenandoah in this event.
Tyler Schiller, who rode her to that placing a year back, rejoins Firestorm for their first ride together since in pursuit of payback.
Saturday's marquee race draws 14 runners, among them Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman's filly Ole Dancer and Savvy Hallie, who was second in the Surround Stakes.
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