Berry confident Lazzura is too Hot to handle in feature

Lazzura is heavily favoured to continue her impressive run in Sydney's spring fillies and mares' races when she lines up in the Hot Danish Stakes. Jockey Tommy Berry echoes the confidence of the public, expecting the mare to perform exceptionally again.

After an initial placing behind Savvy Hallie in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m), Lazzura has since triumphed in both the Golden Pendant (1400m) and The Invitation (1400m). She is currently listed at $1.45 to record her third consecutive win at Rosehill.

Possessing a benchmark rating eight points higher than her nearest rival, Lazzura is perfectly suited to the set weights conditions of the Hot Danish Stakes (1400m). The mare also relishes soft 7 track conditions and has secured a favourable draw from barrier two.

Berry could be excused for feeling some anxiety given how well the race appears to be set up for Lazzura, but he states that superior horses like her only increase his confidence.

"No, I get more nervous on the slow ones," Berry quipped. "The faster ones are easier to deal with, that's for sure. She should really be carrying a bit more (weight) than a few of these. She's in great form, she has been for a few preps now, and if the rain does keep coming then she is really going to enjoy getting her toe in the ground."

The low draw is a significant factor for Berry.

In the Invitation, she was forced to work hard to take up a forward position from a wide gate. Despite managing to hold on for a half-length victory over Infancy, she was visibly tiring at the finish.

With barrier two, Lazzura should benefit from an economical run this Saturday, enabling her to finish strongly.

He also dismissed concerns that her demanding effort last start might have taken its toll. Berry explained that the mare recovered so favourably that trainer Chris Waller considered running her again just seven days later in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, a race ultimately claimed by stablemate Lady Shenandoah.

"That's how well she came through her run," Berry said. "With this race here on the weekend, and them already having Lady Shenandoah in the other race, they chose to go a different way and give her the extra week. She's come through in great order, and she's a very tough mare. Nothing much knocks her around.

"We'll be able to ride her with a bit of cover, or even if there's not much speed - which it doesn't look like there's a lot of on paper - at least we're not going to have to do the work we did the other day. Getting a nice, cosy run, we'll be able to see that good turn of foot, and they'll have to be very good to beat her on Saturday."

Lazzura's combination of current form and ideal race conditions makes her a standout in the Hot Danish Stakes. Those keen to back her can find competitive racing betting markets with online bookmakers.