Two Thousand Dollar Filly a Group Winner on Derby Day

Mark Smith - Saturday November 4

In a head-bobbing finish the 5yo Turffontein mare Lyuba earned a first black-type success in Saturday's $200,000 Group III Skip Sprint (1100m) at Flemington.

The Darren Weir-trained filly has been a model of consistency without winning of late.

She has been runner-up six times in nine starts since scoring back to back wins at Flemington and Moonee Valley.

One of the first to begin for Damian Lane, Lyabu settled midfield as Sheidel led the field down the centre of the track.

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As Sheidel began to weaken, the challenges came thick and fast.

Lyuba gradually got the better of a stubborn Concealer but was all out to hold the challenge of the fast-finishing Savanna Amour by a short-half-head. Concealer was the same distance back in third just ahead of the Sydneysider Nieta. (photo Grant Courtney)

"What a ride she's taken the connections on," Lane said

"A $2,000 horse winning on Derby day at Flemington.

"It's been a great thrill for all involved and it's a privilege for me to be on her back today."

Lyuba advances her record to 6 wins and 7 seconds from 17 starts with earnings of $437,900.

"She's very honest, a couple o9f starts ago she ran poorly at Caulfield and she pulled up with a bit of a problem with her back leg.

"We got that sorted out and her last couple of runs have been terrific.

"She didn't cost a lot of money. The best part about buying these horses for not a lot of money is that you can put in a couple of mates and it doesn't cost a lot for them to go in it. If they are no good, which most of them are, they don't lose a lot of money.

"I was at the sales poking around out there at the back and she walked passed and caught my eye and didn't take much notice of the pedigree.

"This is one of the better stories."

Consigned by Swettenham Stud to the 2014 Inglis VOBIS Gold Yearling sale, Lyuba was knocked down to Forest Lodge Racing for $2,000.

She is the first and only foal of the General Nediym mare Dancing With Amy who placed in three of her 11 race starts without breaking her maiden.

A half-sister to two winners, Dancing With Amy died in November 2013.

Lyuba becomes the third stakes winner for Blue Gum Farm's Turffontein who stands at a fee of $7,700 in 2017.

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