American import Lighthouse has shown itself to be a punters’ pal since first stepping out on an Australian racecourse in November 2021 and co-trainers Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace have the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) next in mind should the mare notch another win at Caulfield on Wednesday.
With four wins in as many starts since joining the Maher/Eustace stable, the five-year-old this time takes on the Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m) to follow up on victory in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on 1 January.
With comfortably spaced runs which have delivered in spades from Kyneton to Ballarat and two wins at Flemington, Dave Eustace has top level ambitions while taking advantage of continued fitness.
“She worked nicely on Thursday,” Eustace said.
“She looks great and is holding her form well.”
While the Dillon Stakes isn’t choc-full of Group 1 headliners, there are competitive types involved including last start winners Excelida and Open Minded, together with topweight Age Of Chivalry who’ll carry topweight of 60 kilos.
“She probably needs to win or be very threatening on Wednesday and if she is, she’ll go to the Orr as a fit horse in good form,” Eustace adds and from there the prospect of a pinch-hitting Group 1.
“She might meet some of the good horses when they underdone and having their kick-off race,” Eustace said.
Lighthouse has been backed in from $2.25 to $2.10 when markets opened on Monday afternoon for the John Dillon Stakes, and is the $6 third favourite for the Orr Stakes on 12 February.