The $100,000 super maiden races at midweek metro meetings have been a great innovation by Racing NSW and collecting the cash at Warwick Farm on Wednesday was speedy I Am Invincible filly Lady Invictus.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, three year-old Lady Invictus is a filly that has needed time with one unplaced run at the back end of last season as a juvenile.
Given a lengthy spell after that, she impressed in two recent barrier trials with Regan Bayliss on board and he was keen to stick with her on race day.
Given a positive ride, Lady Invictus found the lead and stayed there, taking the 1100m maiden by nearly a length over the race favourite Crescent King.
Passed in as a yearling, Lady Invictus was retained to race by Rob and Barbara McClure of Morning Rise Stud and they will be thrilled to see her in the winner’s list given they lost her dam Crown Witness in 2023 and Lady Invictus is her final foal.
“She’s still that little bit immature, but she has had plenty of time and her owners Rob and Barbara McClure have been very patient with her, so it’s great to see her come back in such good shape. She was excellent today,” said Adrian Bott.
“In her latest trial she showed good sustained speed and that was a really good indication, so Regan wanted to come out today and ride a similar style of race and be really positive.
“He rode her very confidently and she was able to respond really well.
“We’ll try and take her through her grades and build her confidence. I'm sure in time there's a couple of nice races for her.”
Lady Invictus is the second winner from just two foals from Group III winning Star Witness mare Crown Witness, a daughter of South African Group I winner Noble Heir (SAfr).
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