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| Staff Writer |
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Matt Laurie's talented colt Coleman is set to make his eagerly anticipated return to the track in Saturday's Gr.1 A.J. Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley, with connections eyeing a valuable Group One victory to enhance his already impressive stallion credentials.
The 3YO son of Pierata has already proven his worth with a Group Three triumph and placings in both the Golden Slipper and ATC Sires' Produce Stakes at the highest level. A win in the US$450,000 weight-for-age sprint would undoubtedly catapult Coleman into the upper echelons of Australia's most sought-after stud prospects.
Mornington handler Laurie has meticulously planned a spring campaign for Coleman, with the Moir Stakes serving as the launchpad for a series of Group One targets. The colt will carry a light 52kg in Saturday's 1000-metre contest, a factor that could prove crucial in this competitive field.
Laurie said: "You're obviously hoping that they make that progression from two to 3YO, but the form is looking good with Storm Boy doing really well [last week]. This is a great starting point. Ultimately we'll end up at Flemington in the Coolmore, but we've got some really nice races to pick through leading up to that. He's a class horse and I just hope he can pick up that Group One at some stage because he certainly deserves it."
The Moir Stakes, elevated to Group One status in 2015, has a rich history of producing top-class sprinters. Notable winners include Extreme Choice, the 2016 victor who has gone on to sire Group One winners such as Stay Inside, She's Extreme, and Espiona. Extreme Choice now commands a stud fee of US$183,000 at Newgate Farm.
Other memorable winners include Falvelon (2000), California Dane (2006), and Wild Ruler (2021), all of whom triumphed as 4YO entires. The race was particularly kind to colts in the 1990s, with Sports Works, Quality Gold, Spartacus, and Al Mansour all claiming victory between 1993 and 1997.
Coleman has been fine-tuning his preparations at Moonee Valley, working solo over 1000 metres on Tuesday morning and clocking an impressive 24.1 seconds for the final 400 metres. This follows two earlier trials, including a fifth-place finish at Cranbourne behind Moir Stakes rivals Hayasugi and Johnny Rocker.
While acknowledging the strength of the field, which includes formidable opponents such as I Wish I Win, Estriella, and Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot, Laurie remains optimistic about Coleman's chances:
"Obviously he'll improve with this under his belt and stepping out to six [furlongs] — there's no doubt there's some really sharp horses in this — but as long as we're closing I think it's going to serve its purpose. This is a good lead-in to the Manikato. The six furlongs will be what's going to suit him, but I'm happy to kick off at this level over 1000m."
As the racing world turns its attention to Moonee Valley this Saturday, all eyes will be on Coleman as he attempts to join the elite ranks of Moir Stakes winners and stake his claim as one of Australia's premier sprinting talents.