A WIN by Lullaby Baby at Muswellbrook on Monday would prove a big hit for the family of Scone trainer Greg Bennett.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The four-year-old mare is raced by Bennett’s wife Wendy, daughter Chloe, son Harry and Verna Metcalfe, manager of Middlebrook Valley Lodge.
Bennet bred Lullaby Baby who is by Youthful Legs out of the Brahms mare, Brahmsian Spark.
Lullaby Baby is the mare’s first foal.
“I bred and trained Lullaby Baby’s dam,” Bennett said.
“She won a maiden but went amiss later so we sent her to the breeding barn.
“The family have been spoilt in Lullaby Baby’s first three starts with two wins and a second.
“I’m prepared to forgive Lullaby Baby’s last start.
“There were issues.”
Lullaby Lady lines up in the Mas Big Race Benchmark 55 Handicap over 1000m with Dale Spriggs in the saddle.
Spriggs is nearing 3000 career winners.
After a debut second to Anastacia Willi in a Scone maiden on February 24, Lullaby Baby strung together successive wins at the same track over 900m on March 15 then first-up after a 125-day spell on July 18.
In both wins the mare attacked the line with gusto.
Second up last start, Lullaby Baby finished a disappointing 8.4 lengths 10th to Starlight Dynasty in a 1000m Class 2 Handicap at Scone on August 15.
“It was a combination of a rock hard track and a slight upper respiratory problem which I found after her blood was taken,” Bennett said.
“You have to allow decent horses one bad run and I would completely forget her last effort.
“Forget she went around.
“The vet has been over her and it’s all systems go.
“She is over everything and worked very well on Saturday morning.
“She will certainly enjoy a bit of sting out of the ground on Monday.
“I’m happy with her progress.
“She’s a tough little critter.”
Lullaby Lady has drawn barrier 13, a gate Bennett said wasn’t ideal but by no means the end of the world.
“We’ll let the speed go and be finishing our race off strongly,” he suggested.
“Let’s just hope she’s back to a competitive stage on Monday.”