Racing: Ipswich Cup winner emerges as likely Caloundra favourite

Top jockey Larry Cassidy believes Ipswich Cup winner Our Lukas can take the next step and win a feature staying race in Sydney.

Our Lukas controlled the running in the Ipswich Cup (2150m) yesterday to score a decisive win and emerge as likely favourite for the Caloundra Cup in a fortnight.

"He can stay, and he has made a big step from last preparation to this preparation," Cassidy said. "He can make his own luck and if he makes another step forward there is nothing to stay that he could not win a big staying race."

"A race like The Metropolitan would not be out of the question for him."

Cassidy continued his big-race winning form having last week won the Queensland Derby on Court Ruler.

In a slowly-run race Our Lukas (A$3.80 fav) ran out a 1 length winner over Macknuckle ($6) while Jujulio ($15) was three-quarters of a length away third.

Cassidy has taken all before him since he shifted to Brisbane this year from Sydney. The three-time Sydney premiership-winning jockey is a keen worker and rides for most of the leading Eagle Farm trainers including Robert Heathcote, the trainer of Our Lukas.

"I never ride him in his work, but the horse is a credit to Robert and his staff," Cassidy said. "To get a horse to back up within a week like he did is not easy."

Part-owner Barry O'Toole had been so confident about Our Lukas winning he prepared a speech for the presentation.

SYDNEY TRAINER Clarry Conners finally had something to smile about with Dorf Command when she overcame a run of bad luck with barriers to win the Gai Waterhouse Classic.

Connors has been plagued by a string of bad barriers for his Queensland winter carnival team and Dorf Command has been no exception.

The 3-year-old filly drew gate 16 and although she was trapped three deep throughout she stormed to the line under the vigorous riding of Jim Byrne.

Dorf Command scored by a half-head over Go Johemma while Kisani was three-quarters of a length away third.

Rising 10-year-old Mitanni appreciated the firmer track and returned to his best form when he ran a race record in the Eye Liner Stakes for his 20th win.

Mitanni dashed away in the straight to score by three-quarters of a length over Mr Hornblower with Voice Commander a long head away third.

- AAP