It’s been more than 100 years since a sprinter has claimed two editions of the Gr1 Goodwood, South Australia’s premier race for sprinters.
But during a carnival when Australian racing history was created as Russian Camelot (Camelot) won the South Australian Derby, it won’t be a shock if Santa Ana Lane (Lope De Vega) can challenge the record books in the Goodwood on Saturday.
He returns to Morphettville for trainer Anthony Freedman after winning the Goodwood in 2018.
It was Santa Ana Lane’s second Gr1 win, but it was one that started a streak at racing’s elite level and catapulted him towards the top of the world rankings.
In the space of 12 months, Santa Ana Lane added the Stradbroke Handicap, VRC Classic and TJ Smith Stakes to his Gr1 triumphs.
Santa Ana Lane hasn’t won since last year’s TJ Smith at Randwick but it is impossible to say that he is out of form.
Runner-up finishes in The Everest and last month’s TJ Smith suggest there is still life in the seven-year-old’s legs.
Stablemate Lyre (Lonhro) will join Santa Ana Lane in the race that is run at Morphettville under a set weights with penalties scale for A$400,000 over 1200m.
The filly finished brilliantly when a close second in the Gr1 Robert Sangster Stakes over the Goodwood course two weeks ago.
Lyre is one of five females taking their place in the 15-horse field.
On ratings, Sunlight (Zoustar) is easily the best of them but there is a question mark over her claims.
Indifferent ride or not, Sunlight ran a dismal race as favourite in the Robert Sangster after coursing wide and failing to beat a runner home to lose her standing as a gilt-edged Goodwood chance.
Gytrash (Lope De Vega) is the popular pick to win on his home track.
Trained by Gordon Richards, Gytrash has come of age this season in winning the Gr1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington and placing twice more in the top grade.
The first of 9 races at Morphettville is off at 04h00.
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