Lingani's Flemington debut set for rain-affected track

Belinda Blanch, co-trainer of Lingani, cannot explain the mare's exceptional wet-track form but is content to let her continue thriving on it.

She is particularly pleased that her stable star will have the opportunity to race on a softened surface this Saturday at Flemington.

The five-year-old mare is slated to contest the $175,000 Listed Santa Ana Lane Sprint Series Final over 1200 metres. Conditions are expected to suit Lingani, with Flemington rated a Soft 7 on Wednesday and further deterioration anticipated due to the wintry forecast for Victoria.

"When it's raining at home, she literally stands in her yard with her ears pricked," Blanch commented.

"It's really interesting with her, because she's quite a big horse with a big, long stride."

"Traditionally, you'd go, 'I don't know if they'll handle it', but she just loves it."

Six of Lingani's seven victories have occurred on tracks with give, including four on heavy ground.

These four wins on heavy going are her only starts on such surfaces, the most recent being a 1250m benchmark 84 success at Morphettville on June 6.

That run followed a second to Naifah in the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes on May 9, her strongest Stakes-grade performance since her Listed Lightning Stakes triumph two years prior. Blanch believes it's the opportune moment to test her in Melbourne once more.

Her only previous trip east was for the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield last year, where she finished second-last on a Soft 6.

"She's at the point now with her ratings that she's limited with races over here," Blanch explained.

"So if it's going to be wetter somewhere else, then that's where we'll go, and a race like this was always going to be the plan for her."

Lingani drew barrier two for the nine-runner Flemington event and will be partnered by Kayla Crowther, carrying 55kg.

Explore the best online bookmakers for all your racing needs.