Choice victory for Exceed And Excel filly
Heading to the races for only the fourth time, three-year-old Lesley’s Choice went one better than her half-neck second last time out, winning the Pluck @ Vinery Maiden Plate by an impressive two length margin.
By last season’s Champion Sire Exceed And Excel, Lesley’s Choice is the fourth foal out of the Group Three Research Stakes winner Fumble, herself a half-sister to the Group One South Australian Derby winner Hard To Get and the Group Three Tatt’s RC Tattersall’s Cup winner Reputed Groom.
Trained at Randwick by Gai Waterhouse, the filly was ridden by New Zealander James McDonald. Using her tactical speed, McDonald jumped the filly away well from the gates to go forward and lead with ease. Relaxing really well up front where she set the tempo, the filly kicked strongly as the they headed for home, and due to the way she had controlled the race, no one was able to make up the lost ground.
Purchased from the 2012 Magic Millions Yearling Sale from the draft of Willow Park Stud, Lesley’s Choice is now likely to step up in trip and if she continues to improve, the Segenhoe Stud owned filly will certainly be very hard to be next time out.
