Bott backs Sir Lucan to bounce back in Winter Cup

Bott, who trains in partnership with Gai Waterhouse, also has the likely race leader in Youth Spirit. The Camelot six-year-old, which was bought after running in the English Derby and St Leger three years ago, is yet to find the winner’s stall in Australia.

The front-running stayer dropped out quickly last time at Randwick on a testing track but will like the firmer footing on Saturday.

“Youth Spirit is similar to Sir Lucan in that he was good first up and then was plain second up,” Bott said. “He has to bounce back, but he’s looking for the 2400 now as well.

“He hasn’t captured his European form, that’s very fair to say, and he has been a little bit frustrating in that regard.

“He might just need a bit of confidence, and hopefully this is the right time of year for him to find it.”

Bott will be at Eagle Farm where Knights Order is chasing a second Brisbane Cup, a race he won in 2021. He has also won a Sydney Cup, so the 3200m will not be a problem.

“He loves two miles and we just try to target these races,” Bott said.

Ryan looking towards the Oaks with blueblood Lady Justice

Domeland trainer Sara Ryan went looking for a classic filly at last year’s sales and wanted the right breeding.

Coolmore stallion Justify was at the top of her list, and, when she came across a filly bred on the same lines as Learning To Fly, Ryan knew she had to have it. That filly now races as Lady Justice.

“That Justify-Fastnet Rock mare cross just works, but she has always been a filly with some scope that was more of an Oaks type than a two-year-old,” Ryan said. “I couldn’t believe I got her for $100,000, because she was my type of filly but she just needed time.

“I can’t wait to see her at a mile, but this preparation is important to get her a base.”

Ryan was delighted with Lady Justice’s debut third at Hawkesbury over 1300m knowing she will improve as she steps up in trip. She expects to see that as Lady Justice steps to 1400m at Rosehill on Saturday.

“She is a classic filly and I think she is going to be better next time around,” Ryan said. “These type of horses show talent from the beginning like she does.

“I really like her.

“This preparation is about learning about racing a bit. She is going to need to get out to a mile to show her best, and I would like to try her in the better fillies races in the spring.

Loading

“The way she is improving, she is going to run a great race on Saturday and I think we have something to work with. She is very handy.”

There has been a nibble for Lady Justice at longer odds after she opened up a $26 chance. The best price available is now $21 in a race where the more natural two-year-olds are favourite.

Sovereign Hill, which chased home Emirate last time, is the $3.20 top pick, and Depth Of Character, which won on debut, is at $4.40.

Ryan also takes So Good So Cool to Rosehill for the Midway Handicap for his second run this preparation.

“He is an improver and always takes a step forward second up. I was very happy with his first run and he will also run well,” Ryan said.

Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.