Lapinski’s bid for G1 Natalma Stakes success
Two-year-old filly Lapinski moves up sharply in class for the G1 Natalma Stakes (16.56hrs local time) over a mile on turf at Woodbine, Canada, on Sunday, September 18.
The daughter of Street Cry, trained near Chicago, USA, by Mike Stidham, ran on strongly from the rear for a last-gasp nose success on her debut in a five-furlong maiden on turf at Arlington Park on August 25.
Carlos Marquez Jr again partners Lapinski, who is drawn five in field of 14 juvenile fillies on Sunday. Opponents include dual winners Red Lodge, who also finished ninth in the G2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, and Tapa Tapa Tapa plus debut scorers Black Canary, Will She and Beat The Benchmark.
Mike Stidham commented: "Lapinksi trained well going into her maiden win, came out of that race in good condition and has trained forwardly since.
"The step-up to a mile will definitely be to her benefit and we are looking forward to stretching her out.
"We didn’t want to start her off over such a short trip as five furlongs but we felt that getting an education into her was the most important thing.
"I think Woodbine will suit her as she is a smart filly with a big stride. We feel that she has the class to run well and hope that she can make the step-up to this level."
