Trainer Nick Olive dreaming of Group 1 Champagne Stakes success with unbeaten filly Spicy Lu

Spicy Lu has gone from winning a Cowra maiden to potentially having a crack at a Group 1 at her fourth start following her win at Randwick last Saturday.

Spicy Lu winning the Fernhill Handicap last Saturday. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Winning machine Spicy Lu has forced trainer Nick Olive to put a Group 1 $1m Champagne Stakes (1600m) crack on the radar at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Spicy Lu could go from winning a Cowra maiden against the oldest horses to a Group 1 winner in four starts when she puts her unbeaten record on the line in the final leg of the juvenile Triple Crown.

• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

The daughter of Tagaloa won her first start a little over a month ago before following it up with victory at Albury and then last weekend in the Listed Fernhill Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick.

“We sort of had a dream of backing up in the Champagne but it wasn’t on the radar to be honest,” Olive said.

“When she won at Albury, we definitely thought she could run in the Fernhill but then the Champagne was something we could consider.

“She just keeps stepping up to the mark and thriving so we most likely go there Saturday.”

Spicy Lu is a $13 chance for the Champagne Stakes and will have to win it on the seven-day back-up after her Fernhill triumph on day two of The Championships.

Spicy Lu wins the Fernhill Mile and remains unbeaten! 🌶️ @[e-mail]/KUxoCZL3MK

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) April 12, 2025

• Hopes dashed for slot-holders in Ka Ying Rising race

Olive said Spicy Lu has come through the run well and can improve again in her latest assignment.

“She has done enormous since the weekend. I reckon she’s gone forward off the run,” he said.

“She looks great and hasn’t left a grain so everything is great with her.

“I know the winner of the Fernhill usually runs a decent race in this.”

Broadsiding completed the Fernhill Handicap-Champagne Stakes double last year.

Olive paid just $30,000 for Spicy Lu at last year’s Magic Millions Yearling Sale and has already got a return on his investment.

The Queanbeyan trainer is chasing his second career Group 1.

Spicy Lu was an impressive all-the-way winner last weekend. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Nominations for the Champagne Stakes have been extended to Tuesday morning after 14 horses were among the entries for the two-year-old feature on Monday.

Group 3 Baillieu Handicap winner Nepotism is the $2.50 favourite in All-In betting from ATC SIres’ Produce Stakes placegetter Buffalo ($5) and Within The Law ($6).

Meanwhile, Yulong have purchased valuable ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Vinrock.

The unbeaten colt is currently in the spelling paddock after trainer Matt Laurie made the decision not to progress towards the Champagne Stakes.

Laurie, who also trains Oaks victor Treasurethe Moment for Yulong, will continue to train Vinrock with a plan to focus on the spring with Vinrock.

“While Vinrock has already marked himself as an exceptional stallion prospect, we are hopeful that this talented colt can continue to build on his outstanding record, carrying the Yulong silks to further success later this year.” a Yulong statement read.

Originally published as Trainer Nick Olive dreaming of Group 1 Champagne Stakes success with unbeaten filly Spicy Lu