3 minute read

Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan is full of optimism her good mare Lucky News is ready to produce her best in the Shorty Cribb Aberdeen Cup (1280m) at Muswellbrook on Monday.

Buchanan is the first to admit Lucky News had had an interrupted campaign so far but now fully fit, the six-year-old mare, a winner of seven races from 38 starts, is ready to step up to the mark.

“I’m looking forward to her racing,” Buchanan said. “I’m very happy with her. She’s fit and well now.

“She’s finally drawn a good barrier (one) and she gets into the race well at the weights (55kg). She’s got a nice pull in the weights over the top ones.”

Lucky News resumed from a 147-day spell with a 5.1 lengths ninth to Savoureux over 1250m at Canterbury on January 9.

“She had a wide barrier and lacked a bit of fitness,” Buchanan said of the moderate first-up effort.

After the run a series of small problems forced Lucky News to have another 43-days off before racing again.

“She had a few issues,” Buchannan added. “She missed a race or two because of wet tracks which she doesn’t like then she got a throat infection. It was nothing major but enough to keep her away from racing.”

After trialling at Gosford on February 5 Lucky News ran an encouraging 1.3 lengths fourth to Zoumagic in the Burley Griffin Sprint (1200m) at Canberra on February 21.

“She was a bit unlucky at Canberra. She ran a good race and has pulled up well,” Buchanan added.

Lucky New is third up on Monday and ready to peak. This is likely to be the mare’s last preparation. The breeding barn awaits. She has been a good mare to Buchanan who describes her as “cool, calm and collected.

“She’s a lovely mare to work with. She’s fabulous. She’s a lovely big strong type who is sound and still enjoying her racing.

“The plan is to take her up to Queensland later where she should find weaker company. She won a metropolitan race up there last preparation.”