Got Lucky looking to continue golden run in Leonora Cup this weekend

Eleven months after Got Lucky stamped himself as the new star of northern Goldfields tracks by completing a rare cups treble, trainer Paddy Bermingham is plotting a similar run for the gelding — starting in Saturday’s $40,000 Genesis Minerals Leonora Cup (1600).

The combination of Bermingham and hoop Kristy Bennett were a major force — Bennett piloting Got Lucky on all three occasions in a memorable sweep of the Leonora, Leinster and Laverton cups.

A 10-month spell followed, which ended last month with an 11th-placed run at Belmont.

Bennett will again take the ride this weekend on Got Lucky, who will lug a top-weight of 60kg from barrier five.

Bermingham enjoyed three consecutive Leonora Cup winners with Mystery to Me (1998-2000) and won the 2007 Kalgoorlie Cup with Master Vision.

However, his quest for more success in the Leonora Cup faces a major obstacle in the Peter Bamford-trained Ima Wild Girl.

The mare is coming off back-to-back wins at Northam, underpinned by her September 26 win in the $30,000 Northam Cup (1600m).

Saturday’s five-event card starts at 2.17pm, with the cup set down for 4.48pm.

Gates open at noon.

$40,000 Genesis Minerals Leonora Cup (1600m):

Got Lucky (K. Bennett) barrier 5; Irritable Rodnee (A. Galati) 2; Lautre (P. Farrell) 3; Who’s Your Mama (K. Sardelic) 6; Ima Wild Girl (A. Hayes) 4; Passion Prince (C. Hunter) 7; Soldiers Camp (K. Pateman) 1; Yes Of Course (M. Clark) 8.