New Zealand sprinter Alabama Lass will press on in Australia for a tilt at the Group 1 Manikato Stakes.
The four-year-old, a Flemington last season, defeated all bar Baraqiel in the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley last Saturday, pleasing co-trainer Ken Kelso.
She was quite fresh and over-raced a bit and then got that bump on the corner, which probably cost her a little bit, but it was a fantastic run,” Kelso said.
“It proved that she can measure up to Aussie sprinters, they are renowned for them, so to measure up to their sprinters at Group 1 level was a big achievement for the horse.
“And a Group 1 second place is huge for her pedigree. I am very rapt.”
Alabama Lass has now won six and finished runner-up in four of her 10 career starts, including second placings in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and Group 1 Railway (1200m) and Moir Stakes.
“On that run, we have got to stay for the Manikato,” Kelso said. “Craig Williams is booked to ride her again, so all systems are go to head there.”
