Pitch Your Horse - Lux Aeterna
TRAINER Rickie Alchin points to Encipher’s win in the inaugural $2.1mil TAB Eureka to underline why his classy mare Lux Aeterna should snare a slot in this year’s race.
Encipher was a four-year-old mare when she powered past the great Leap To Fame to win the 2023 TAB Eureka.
Lux Aeterna is also a four-year-old mare and peaking at the right time, insists the Menangle-based Alchin.
“She’s right back to her best and showing at the races, too,” he said.
“We thought she went terrific in that record-breaking (Group 1) Golden Girl and then she backed-up to beat the boys in a strong Albion Park race last Saturday night.
“Now we’ve got her flying again, I’m sure she’ll be very competitive if she gets a slot, especially given the mares get a preferential (barrier) draw.”
Lux Aeterna, who boasts 14 wins from just 29 starts, has always shown some star power.
The daughter of Captaintreacherous won her first nine starts, including Bathurst Gold Tiara, Nutrien 2YO Fillies and NSW Breeders Challenge finals.
“She’s also the fastest two-year-old of all-time in the southern hemisphere,” Alchin added.
“In a year where there are no standouts, she absolutely deserves a spot and I know on how well she’s going that she’ll run a great race.
“She’s versatile and has gate speed, but showed last Saturday how lethal she can be coming from off the speed.
Lux Aeterna also loves Menangle with seven wins from 11 starts at the home of the TAB Eureka.
“There’s not another four-year-old mare in the country you’d consider ahead of her,” Alchin said.
“We’re waiting for the phone to ring. I’ve got a team up here (Redcliffe) for a few more weeks, so she’ll be here and we’ll look for another race for her.”
