Champion Thoroughbreds | Champion Thoroughbreds News 61204 Lilac Ready To Bloom In Surround Stakes

Lilac will be looking to stamp her pedigree with elite black type glory when she steps out in the Group 1 Surround Stakes at Randwick on Saturday. The progressive daughter of Justify has already shown her class, boasting a Listed victory and a Group 2 placing from just six career starts, and now takes on the top level following a strong third-place finish in the Light Fingers Stakes behind high-quality fillies Lady Shenandoah and Lady Of Camelot.

Tyler Schiller retains the ride, having been aboard for both of Lilac’s runs this prep, and the pair will jump from barrier four in a competitive field of 13—many of whom she clashed with last start. With natural improvement and a favorable draw, the talented filly is poised to make her presence felt in what promises to be a cracking edition of the Surround.

Currently sitting as a $15 chance on the third line of betting, Lilac will be out to give the short-priced favourite and last-start winner Lady Shenandoah ($1.60) a shake. Drawn to get a sweet run from barrier four, Lilac is expected to push forward and take up a prominent position in the run. The step up to 1400m holds no fears either—she’s already proven at the trip, having scored over the distance in the Jim Maloney Stakes at Caulfield last preparation. With fitness on her side and a touch of luck, Lilac looks more than capable of a top 3 finish. 

Best of luck to her connections!