La ChasseuseThe Danny O'Brien trained La Chasseuse won her first stakes race and earned a start in the Group 1 $400,000 Oakleigh Plate with her success in the Listed BMW Melbourne Stakes at Caulfield today.

Kept in contention behind the early leader Miss Judgement by rider James Winks, La Chasseuse burst to the lead at the 200m mark and won comfortably by a length from Coniston Gem ($4.60-$4.80-$4.00) with Orange County ($8-$10) flying home for third.

First up after a spell, Royal Asscher ($2.70-$3.60F) drifted alarmingly and ran accordingly, suggesting that she will be fitter for her major targets such at the Newmarket Handicap and the Oakleigh Plate.

La ChasseuseO'Brien planned to run the race fit La Chasseuse in today's race because most of the 10 runners were first up he knew that few of them would be able to match her finishing burst.

"That was the plan to make sure that she had first up horses around her", he said.

"James sat on Miss Judgement and kicked her home a bit soon but he knew that the others had to pick up and catch her."

La ChasseuseStakes placed before today in the VRC RDA Victoria Stakes, La Chasseuse has franked her future value as a broodmare by winning today's black type race. 

"She really deserved to win a stakes race so we're really pleased for everyone", O'Brien said.

O'Brien now feels confident in taking the step up to Group 1 company with La Chasseuse in the Oakleigh Plate. 

"We'll run in it for sure", he said.

La Chasseuse"She goes well at the track and distance and she's in great form so we'll come back and have a crack at it."

"She's a terrifically honest mare and she's improved about half a length every time."

"She loves the 1100m."

"She finds it a bit tough at the 1200m but at 1100m she camps on the speed and she's got a good kick."

A $150,000 purchase for O'Brien at the 2005 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, La Chasseuse is by one of his favourite sires, Lion Hunter. O'Brien has had great success with his progeny including Ferocity, Leone Chiara and Barbaricus.

While her dam, the Palace Music mare Gerber won only two minor races, she is a half sister to no less than 4 stakeswinners - Academe, Cheverny, Fashion News and Vionnetto. 

Return To ScaleWith her earnings now close to $250,000, La Chasseuse has already provided a great return for her owners. Fit and racing in peak form she seems likely to improve on that record in the next few weeks.

Whether she races on or goes to stud next season as a five year old, her breeding future is bright. 

"She'll be a good broodmare", said O'Brien.

"She's strong and powerful and fast."

Photos: Quentin Lang

 

 

© Cyberhorse 2024 Bill Saunders Published 09/02/08