In Saturday's Listed Matamata Cup (1600m), Legarto showcased a commanding performance on her home track, putting aside last week's weather-related challenges and setting her sights on Sydney.
The impressive daughter of Proisir, a Group One winner in both New Zealand and Australia as a three-year-old last season, displayed her prowess once more.
After an eye-catching comeback performance, finishing third in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings last month, Legarto was a hot favorite to return to her winning ways in the Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at the same venue last Saturday.
However, persistent rain rendered the track heavy, leading to Legarto's unfortunate scratch on race morning.
In search of an alternative plan, trainers Ken and Bev Kelso turned their attention closer to home, entering Legarto in the Matamata Cup just seven days later. Legarto enjoyed some weight relief, thanks to fellow Group One winner La Crique, whose higher rating pushed Legarto's impost down to 58.5kg. Unsurprisingly, Legarto was sent off as the -166.67 favourite.
Rider Ryan Elliot strategically positioned her in seventh place, three wide but with cover, ensuring she stayed clear of the rail to avoid potential traffic trouble later in the race. As they turned for home, Legarto began to make her move, gradually closing the gap with the front-running La Crique.
La Crique responded valiantly to Legarto's challenge, while staying mare Aquacade made an impressive resuming run, squeezing through the gap between the leading pair. However, Legarto's superstar qualities came to the fore in the final 150m, propelling her to victory by three-quarters of a length over Aquacade.
This win marked the Kelsos' second Matamata Cup victory in the last six years, having previously saddled Cote D'Or to win the local feature in 2017. Ken Kelso commended Ryan Elliot's ride, stating, “I just told Ryan to ride her like the best horse in the race – give her clear air and she'll do the rest.”
Legarto, bred by Warwick Jeffries and offered by Highline Thoroughbreds at Karaka 2021, boasts an impressive career record with seven wins, a third-place finish, and a fourth-place finish out of nine starts. She has earned over $1.17 million in stakes for her twelve owners.
The Kelsos are now setting their sights on the A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) on November 4, with plans to fine-tune Legarto's preparations in the coming month.
Online betting sites currently rate her as a +500 chance for the Golden Eagle, with the favorite being Amelia's Jewel at +350. Ryan Elliot expressed confidence in Legarto's abilities, stating, “Just wait until she hits a good track. Watch out, Aussie.”