Darren Weir is preparing to raise the bar again for up-and-coming filly Leather’n’lace after the three-year-old made it three straight wins this preparation.
After a maiden victory at Warrnambool and another provincial win at Bendigo in her first two starts this campaign, Leather’n’lace added a first city victory in Saturday’s Aquis Farm Supports Pinchapoo Plate (1400m) at Caulfield.
Leather’n’lace ($4.40) dominated the fillies’ race from the front under jockey Damian Lane, rolling along before kicking away early in the straight to score by 2-1/4 lengths over Uptown Gal ($101) with another head back to third-placed Banish ($13).
Victoria’s premier trainer has pencilled in the Group Two Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington as the filly’s next start on October 7.
“That’s the logical step,” Weir said.
“She needs to chase a bit of black type now.
“She’s got a beautiful pedigree and if she can get a bit of black type she’ll be a great broodmare for her owners.”
Weir said Leather’n’lace, who has now won three of her four career starts, had always shown ability.
“She’s been going really well,” he said.
“She’s made the right steps and continues to train on well.
“She was still a little bit green on the corner, getting her head on the side a bit, but she flattened out really well and it was pretty comfortable in the end so we head to the next step now.”
