Almanzor mare a rising star

A strong case can be made for strapping Almanzor mare Lux Libertas to be unbeaten this preparation.The four-year-old won four on the bounce before she finished third at Te Rapa last month after an interrupted passage.The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained mare was sent out a commanding favourite on her return to the Hamilton course and normal business was resumed.She romped home over 1400 metres to make it five career victories from eight appearances.Lux Libertas drifted well back in the running and was still back on the turn before she lengthened stride impressively to reel in her rivals and again impressed regular rider Warren Kennedy, who believes the best is yet to come.“She’s continuing to learn her craft every time she steps out,” he said.“She cruised up and burst through then and then pricked her ears, even though she’s not the finished product just yet.”Lux Libertas was bred by Graham and Helen-Gaye Bax, whose daughter Kylie manages the interest of part-owner Goldeye Trust, with Lib Petagna.“She’s a big girl and always looks beautiful,” Kylie Bax said.“Lance and Andrew have done a wonderful job with her and I do think she will go over more ground.”Lux Libertas is a daughter of the late stakes-performed Makfi mare Miss Fi, who was a half-sister to the dual Listed winner Peaceful.