'She'll be better' - Furtado determined to aim high with smart St Leger filly

Ivan Furtado admits he would be disappointed if Lizzie Jean was not at least Listed class following her run in last month's St Leger at Doncaster, where the trainer says his filly simply did not stay.

Lizzie Jean finished last of nine in the final Classic of the British Flat season, but showed up well for a long way before weakening a furlong from home.

"I think she just didn't stay the trip in the St Leger, she won over a mile and three and I think she got quicker as time went on," said Furtado. "We think a mile and a quarter might be her trip, she has plenty of speed and a well run race over that trip might help."

Despite what the result suggested, Furtado is confident Lizzie Jean can continue to mix it at higher levels and although plans are not settled, next year will be crucial for his filly.

"That Leger run gives us plenty of hope that she will be a black type filly," he said. "She's mentally and physically improving all the time and there's even more to come next year.

"She's a filly who's still on the weak side and I'm pretty sure she'll be much better next year – at this stage we think she's a Listed level horse at least.

"She'll definitely get black type, she's improving and over the right trip, she'll get her reward – I'd be disappointed if she didn't."

Lizzie Jean is owned by Gb Civil Engineering and The Giggle Factor partnership. The latter enjoyed Group 3 success at Doncaster last September with Just Beautiful, who was subsequently sold to Moyglare Stud for 625,000gns at the Tattersalls December mares sale.

Just Beautiful: a Group 3 winner for Furtado last yearCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

We can expect to see Lizzie Jean once more this year before she is put away ready for her 2023 campaign.

"We've got a few options for her," he added. "She might go to Doncaster on October 22 for the 0-95 handicap over a mile and two.

"There's also a Listed race for fillies on November 5 over a mile and two, that's another option and the November Handicap itself is another avenue."

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