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| Staff Writer |
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In a thrilling upset at The Valley on Saturday, Mornington Glory stormed to victory in the Gr.1 Moir Stakes, completing a remarkable hat-trick at the track and delivering a first Group One success for Mornington-based trainer Gavin Bedggood.
The 6YO Shalaa gelding, third-up and in peak condition, showcased his affinity for the 1000m course at Moonee Valley, outpacing a field of top-class sprinters. Many of his rivals were resuming their campaigns, but Mornington Glory's race fitness proved decisive.
Jockey Ethan Brown, who had partnered the gelding in his previous start, retained the ride for the US$507,000 feature. Brown's tactically astute performance caught several highly-fancied contenders off guard as they kicked off their spring preparations.
Reflecting on the triumph, Brown said: "He was presented here in terrific order. He drew gate one and he flew the lids and just had an easy time of it. (He was) fit, well. I was the beneficiary of a well-prepared horse for a great bunch of owners."
Mornington Glory, who had previously placed third in the Oakleigh Plate earlier in the year, was somewhat overlooked in pre-race discussions. However, a prime inside draw proved crucial as the gelding burst out of the gates to establish an early lead, setting a measured tempo throughout.
Bedggood, elated with the result, told Racing.com: "He took bad luck out of the equation today. He's begun really well his last two starts and when he jumped a half in front of them today – there was no instruction to lead – but Browny just used his initiative and went with the horse and the rest is history."
The winner maintained his advantage to the line, fending off a late challenge from Hayasugi. Clinton McDonald's Blue Diamond-winning filly, returning as a 3YO, put in an impressive first-up performance to secure second place, making amends for her disappointing run in the Golden Slipper in March.
Jockey Jamie Kah, aboard the runner-up, was upbeat about Hayasugi's prospects: "Couldn't have been happier with her. She's just really stepped up this time in, she's gone to be a big 3YO and she was strong through the line, couldn't pull her up afterwards, so looking good for further."
In a tight finish for third, the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot claimed the final podium position, rounding out the Moir Stakes trifecta.
The upset victory left several highly-rated sprinters struggling to make an impact. Zac Lloyd, who rode Lady Of Camelot, remained optimistic despite the defeat: "She was fantastic. She's probably just looking for a bit further now she's a bit older, she was a bit run off her feet there, but her last furlong was still very good. Lovely filly and privileged to get the ride on her today."
The Moir Stakes has long been considered a crucial stepping stone towards the Gr.1 US$1.35 million Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes, scheduled for September 27 at The Valley. Mornington Glory's connections will undoubtedly be eyeing this prestigious target following their charge's impressive display.
The Moir Stakes boasts an illustrious list of past winners, including the likes of Black Caviar, who claimed victory in 2010 and 2011 as part of her undefeated 25-race career. Buffering, another sprint sensation, secured a hat-trick of Moir Stakes wins from 2012 to 2014, while also claiming multiple Group One victories both domestically and internationally.
With his unexpected triumph, Mornington Glory has etched his name alongside these sprint legends, elevating his status in the Australian racing scene and setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting spring campaign.