Platinum Mam’selle only needs luck in the run home to be a big threat at Stratford on Saturday. PHOTO: Race Images.
Tongues wagging over chances of Platinum Mam’selle on Saturday
By Barry Lichter • 28 December 2018
Trainer Lisa Latta is hoping the addition of a tongue tie will turn Platinum Mam’selle from a placegetter into a winner at Stratford on Saturday.
Latta scratched Platinum Mam’selle from Awapuni on Boxing Day knowing she would simply not handle the heavy conditions but, with a good forecast over the next two days, the capable mare looks certain to get favourable footing this time.
Latta is pleased with the way Platinum Mam’selle came through her last run at Awapuni on December 15, when third in a strong field, only a head and a long neck from winner All In Mana.
Platinum Mam’selle, arrowed, is only a head and a long neck from winner All In Mana at her last start.The mare was still running last 200 metres from home but sprouted wings for rider Robbie Hannam, clocked to run easily the fastest last 600 metres in 34.59.
Latta says the Australian-bred filly will be ridden cold again, so it is neither here nor there that she has drawn 10, one from the outside.
“But I have added a tongue tie because Robbie said she was holding her breath a bit.’’
Platinum Mam’selle should be nearing her peak in her third run back this campaign and would boast a more attractive formline but for contesting six Group races on the trot earlier this year. None of her rivals in the fifth race on Saturday can claim that experience.
“I expect her to be right in this.”
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Lisa’s comments
Friday at Waverley
Race 5: Lincoln Towers
2.58pm
Update: Scratched
“I am really happy with him at the moment, his work has been superb. We ended up injecting his knees and he worked great on the course proper on Tuesday morning. He should be very competitive in a field like this but my biggest concern is how much rain is in the forecast. I would be reluctant to start him if the track got to be really wet as we know he has never gone very well on heavy tracks.”