track winner, closed up 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, no chance approaching last
made all, not fluent, clear halfway, ridden 2 out, stayed on
held up in rear, 4th and in touch when blundered badly and unseated rider 6th
disputed 2nd, not fluent until reminder 10th, weakened approaching 4 out
Santa Lucia can make the most of the weight that she receives from Howaboys Quest in this beginners' chase. Lucinda Russell's seven-year-old did not stay a trip on the Flat for Michael Dods, yet here she is tackling three miles plus over fences. Winner of a claiming hurdle at Perth earlier in the season, she has had two starts over fences, failing to impress with her jumping and only plodding on at the one pace. Despite her previous stamina limitations, She is worth chancing upped in trip, especially as she gets five pounds from Howaboys Quest. Ferdy Murphy's charge was tailed off on his only outing over fences last November, and has since been kept hurdling. He was a close second here recently in that sphere and is sure to have been extensively schooled. Loy's Lad makes little appeal and Howaboys Quest should give the selection most to do if on song. However, in a moderate contest, Santa Lucia should make the most of her allowances and gets the vote.
