After a gun barrier draw La Dolce Vita is a livewire chance to turn the tables on Saturday’s Mode Plate favourite Secret Agenda in the rematch at Doomben Racecourse on George Moore Stakes Day according to her trainer.
La Dolce Vita lines up against race favourite Secret Saga (pictured) for the third time on the trot in Saturday’s Mode Plate at Doomben Racecourse. Photo: Daniel Costello.
A fortnight ago at the same track the Bradley Smith-trained Ferocity filly La Dolce Vita ran in the $65,000 #Bronxnation QTIS Three-Years-Old Handicap (1050m) for her fifth career start.
After three wins to kick off her career earlier in the year and a fifth at Doomben over 1200m the run before, the progressive grey finished closer to her last start conqueror when one and a half lengths second to the Tony Gollan-trained Secret Saga.
This weekend La Dolce Vita goes round three with Gollan’s flying daughter of Real Saga in the $100,000 Listed Zetta 1 Mode Plate (1200m).
The major support race at the Brisbane meeting, 15 three-year-old fillies remain in contention after Eagle Farm’s Barry Baldwin withdrew his hope Shadow Lawn who was drawn the outside alley.
Also drawn wide with barrier 13 for jockey Jim Byrne to overcome is the current $3.60 in betting through Ladbrokes.com.au, Secret Saga.
The nasty gate for the top fancy gives rival Deagon-based trainer Smith even more confidence in his filly La Dolce Vita who came up trumps with an ideal barrier four draw.
Apprentice hoop Luke Tarrant retains the ride on the $71,900 earner after being aboard for her second from November 14.
La Dolce Vita carried 55.5kg that day while Secret Saga carted 58kg to victory.
This weekend Secret Saga is down to 56.5kg meeting La Dolce Vita equal under the set weights conditions of the race.
While the kilos might not be a big advantage, Smith believes her good barrier and current level of fitness could be enough for the upset, his filly paying a generous $11 in the latest markets.
“On face value you would think we couldn’t beat Secret Saga,” he said.
“I am not knocking Secret Saga who is very smart. But there are a couple of things which might tip it back our way.
“La Dolce Vita missed a jump-out before her last start because of wet weather. It meant she went into the race without a run of any type for six weeks.”
From the barrier Smith believes La Dolce Vita will be going forward to settle just off the pace with hopefully enough in the tank late to charge home first past the post on a track recently paying in favour of those drawn near the rails.
“I don’t think we have to lead and I would be happy to sit back third or fourth with cover,” he said.
“The inside barriers have had a big advantage at Doomben in recent weeks and it will probably be the case again on Saturday.”
After the Mode Plate Smith confirmed she would be sent out for a well-deserved spell with improvement expected upon her return, the trainer already considering Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival options in some tougher races next year.
“She is still that one preparation away from being at her very best,” he said.
“I would hope she would be up to some of the fillies and mares stakes races in the winter and maybe even something a bit better.”
