Quality mare drawn to shine

RETURNING to winning form last weekend, quality mare Lux Aeterna has drawn to shine again tomorrow night.

Fresh from a solid Queensland campaign, which included a handy second in the Group One The Golden Girl at Albion Park the week before, Lux Aeterna proved too good in the Stylish Memphis Stake at Club Menangle.

Thrilled with the five-year-old’s performance, trainer Rickie Alchin will take Lux Aeterna back to the world class venue for the Kevin Newman Free-For-All.

“She had some hard racing in Queensland, then travelled home and then backed up with a win, which just shows what a terrific constitution she has,” Alchin said. “If every horse was like her, it would make life easier!

“She came home never missed a grain and was bright as a button the next day, which is why I can back her up again.”

To be driven by Alchin in the Listed Classic, Lux Aeterna has drawn to make her presence felt from the pole.

In a wide open affair, TAB Fixed Odds have the daughter of Captaintreacherous listed as a $4 favourite, with No Notthebuttons, Glitter Aint Gold and Ripp at $4.20.

Thriving since arriving at Seaton Grima’s stable, No Notthebuttons has won four of his five starts while finishing second in the other.

No Notthebuttons was also triumphant at Club Menangle last weekend, rating 1:53.2 over 2300 metres.

The son of Art Major will begin from the pole over 1609 metres this time around.

Racing below his best during his latest outing, Glitter Aint Gold has three wins and a third to his credit from his previous five starts.

One of two Nathan Turnbull-trainer runners in the field, Glitter Aint Gold has drawn barrier five, but slots into four with the removal of the emergency.

Turnbull’s son Jett will partner the gelding, with Harrison Orange to take the reins behind his stablemate Jorge Street from gate seven.

Absent from the winners’ circle since May, Jorge Street is an $18 outsider.

Unplaced after working overtime in the ‘death seat’ last weekend, Ripp had been a model of consistency for trainer Bernie Hewitt.

The Group One winner has a victory and five placings from his last seven starts. Jason Hewitt will be in the cart behind Ripp from gate 10.

Despite her strong form and the likelihood of another success, Lux Aeterna may be in the middle of her last campaign.

Due to become a mother next month, Lux Aeterna is facing a switch from the racetrack to the breeding barn according to Alchin.

“I have said all year this will probably be her last,” Alchin said. “In fact, she has a Bettors Delight foal due via transfer in September.

“She’s fit, healthy and racing well, but has nothing to prove to us, so it’ll be up to her owners whether she is retired this season.”