Lady has O'Brien sentimental


Trainer Danny O'Brien was a touch sentimental after three-year-old filly Berkshire Lady broke her maiden status with a strong win over 2000m on Thursday at Pakenham.


"I bought, owned and trained her sire and dam, so breeding her and being able to claim all that makes me feel a bit old!," an elated O'Brien said.


Jockey Daniel Moor settled the daughter of Blue Diamond and Coolmore Stakes hero Star Witness and VRC Oaks placed Placement three-back the fence in running before getting her into the clear so she could charge down the leader in the final furlong.


"She is a nice filly that hasn't had much luck so far in her racing career, but Daniel gave her the perfect ride," O'Brien said.


"Being by a speed sire and staying mare, it was a bit of lottery about what her best distance would be, but her PlusVital Equinome genetic test showed that her best distance range would be around 2000."


This knowledge has O'Brien eyeing off a potential trip to Launceston for the Tasmanian Oaks on Sunday week, a $150,000 listed race over 2100 for three-year-old fillies.


"She would be a valuable mare if she could gain black-type on her pedigree so if she pulls up well, we will certainly entertain a trip across for that race."


Pic by Racing Photos