Impressive debut win for Lucky Lakota in Max Lees Classic

Lucky Lakota delivered a hometown victory of sorts in the Newcastle stand-alone opener, clinching the $160,000 Max Lees Classic (900m) with a strong finishing run.

Although prepared by Ciaron Maher, the nation's foremost trainer, Lucky Lakota was procured and syndicated by Jamie Lovett and Luke Murrell of Newcastle's Australian Bloodstock, with local rider Dylan Gibbons in the saddle.

It was a finish that surprised many, including Gibbons, as Lucky Lakota surged past early leader Bronze Lion right on the finish line.

"I was trying to play the percentages and get on Regan's back (Bayliss, rider of favourite Stellar Ami) and follow him out,'' Gibbons said,. "But because my filly was having her first starts, she didn't know how to quicken and push one out of the way."

"When I did switch back (inside), I hoped it wasn't too late. When I dove I thought we got beaten a head so I was pretty pleased to see our number in the frame."

Lucky Lakota, priced at $11, showed a powerful turn of foot to run down Bronze Lion ($3.60), securing victory by a head. The favourite, Stellar Ami ($2.45), trailed home a length and a half further back in third.

Gibbons continued to praise the filly's capabilities after the race.

"She's got an amazing action for a little filly, she covers ground so well,'' Gibbons commented. "I was really impressed with her attitude. She jumped well and travelled nicely."

"She was a bit 'new' when I tried to come out but then I went back inside and she saw where the bunny (leader) was and she chased and chased hard."

The $100,000 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale acquisition by Australian Bloodstock is now poised for potential major race opportunities during the summer months.

She qualifies for events such as the $400,000 Inglis Nursery (1000m) at Royal Randwick on December 12, and the lucrative $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m) on February 6.

"We will see how she comes through this win and consider The Nursery,'' stated Maher's Sydney racing manager Johann Gerard-Dubord. "There's also the possibility we could put her away for the Inglis Millennium."

Gerard-Dubord indicated that Lucky Lakota has always exhibited significant talent.

"From the moment Australian Bloodstock sent us the filly to train, she has shown us that natural ability,'' he remarked. "She trialled 'sharp' the other day and was very good today. She will learn plenty from that and will come on with the experience."

"It was a very good effort. I didn't think she got there but she was very strong to the line."

Ciaron Maher enjoyed a strong start to the Newcastle fixture, training a double in the first two races, with Rock Empire leading for the majority of the Trans Tasman Trophy (1850m) to claim victory.

Nash Rawiller set a strong pace on Rock Empire ($3.90), who crossed the line almost three lengths clear of Stylebender ($26), with Fortune ($13) a further half-length behind in third.

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