Ramornie Handicap Likely for Brook Road

Brook Road returned to racing for a near-two length win in a Rosehill Gardens minors over 1100m on June 13th, and trainer Kris Lees is confident the performance has tuned-up the talented four-year-old for a competitive tilt at the 2015 Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton on July 8th.

Brook Road appears likely to contest the 2015 Ramornie Handicap. Photo: Steve Hart

Brook Road appears likely to contest the 2015 Ramornie Handicap. Photo: Steve Hart

Posting an impressive five wins and four minors through only twelve competitive starts, Brook Road failed to make anything of an impact over two early Autumn Carnival starts; finishing eleventh in the Group 3 Wenona Girl Handicap (1200m) before failing to beat a single runner home in the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m).

Confident a brief freshen-up was exactly what the God’s Own mare required, Lees believes her performance first-up in early June will pay dividends in the 2015 Ramornie Handicap.

“Sometimes when a mare is out of form it is better to put them away and start again,’’ Lees told the Sunday Telegraph.

“It is hard to know what was wrong with her but the jockeys who rode her said something was not quite right.

“The firm tracks in the early part of the autumn might have played a part, too. But since she has been back in work, the change in her demeanour and trackwork has been quite noticeable.

“I feel she is better with a bit of cut in the ground so hopefully she is in for a good winter.

“Blake gave her a very good ride and it was a soft win in the finish.

“I think she races best with a little gap between runs but we might look at the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton next month.’’

Brook Road began her racing career under the guidance of Bart and James Cummings in 2013, but was transferred to the care of Lees prior to her 2014 Spring Carnival campaign.

Finishing second in each of the William Shaw Knitwear BM80 (1200m) and Group 3 The Nivison (1200m), the mare out of Cool Gal was unlucky to be hampered early and third in the Hyland Race Colours BM80 (1400m) on November 8th, but responded in the best way possible when posting a maiden black type win in the Listed Travel Associates Classic (1200m) at Doomben on November 29th.

The 2015 Ramornie Handicap final field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, July 6th.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.