Treasurerthe Moment bound for Sydney Group 1 targets after easy win in Group 2 Kewney Stakes

A pair of Group 1 targets in Sydney are on the radar for VRC Oaks winner Treasurethe Moment after her effortless victory in the Group 2 Kewney Stakes at Flemington.

Treasurethe Moment won easily in the Group 2 Kewney Stakes at Flemington. Picture: George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images

“The world is her oyster.”

Mornington trainer Matt Laurie will take on Sydney next with exciting filly Treasurethe Moment after her effortless win in the Group 2 Kewney Stakes.

Treasurethe Moment progressed through her grades to win the Group 1 VRC Oaks in the spring but the Yulong Investments-owned filly appears to have gone to another level as an autumn three-year-old.

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The daughter of Alabama Express won over 1400m first-up but relished the step to 1600m in the Kewney Stakes, with the $1.50 favourite strolling to a 2¼-length win over Too Darn Lizzie ($15).

Laurie trained Oakleigh Plate winner Portland Sky and South Australian Derby winner Escado but said Treasurethe Moment was superior to both performers.

“This is clearly the best horse we’ve had and we’ve had a few handy ones over the years but she’s next level,” Laurie said.

The Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes over 2000m and the Australian Oaks (2400m) loom as likely targets during the Sydney autumn carnival.

Treasurethe Moment makes it six wins in a row! 🔥@[e-mail]/IDTI3k7QCz

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) March 8, 2025

But Laurie said spring thoughts have already emerged in his household.

“Lachie, my eldest son who is in Grade 4 has been plotting a path to the Cox Plate. It is hard not to be thinking about it,” Laurie said.

Treasurethe Moment completed a Group 2 double for Laurie at Flemington after promising two-year-old Vinrock led throughout to claim the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes.

Jockey Mark Zahra perfectly rated Vinrock in front as the two-year-old son of I Am Invincible posted a two-length success to press his claims to join Treasurethe Moment on the float to Sydney.

“He’s got good gate speed, he put himself there and doesn’t overdo it. He finds when asked the question,” Laurie said.

“If he pulls up well, we’ll go to Sydney for the Sires’ there.”

MILITARY PRECISION

Military Tycoon made good on her potential with victory in the Group 3 Ottawa Stakes (1000m) at Flemington.

The Ciaron Maher-trained filly defeated Gin Spirit by two lengths with Pure Passion a neck adrift.

Military Tycoon, who was unplaced on debut at Flemington last November, is now likely to head to Sydney for the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) in three weeks.

“She’s always shown that sort of ability and it unravelled for her during the Cup Carnival. She trialled up really nicely and (jockey) Tom (Stockdale) has done a good job,” Maher said.

“There is hardly a horse in the stable that I have of (syndicator) Bennett Racing’s that doesn’t have some sort of ability.

“They just retired Southport Tycoon to stud so hopefully this is their next Group 1 horse.”

Military Tycoon takes out the Ottawa Stakes with an impressive run! 👌@cmaherracingpic.twitter.com/pBKT2aE5As

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) March 8, 2025

REMINDERS IN VALE MICHAEL MORONEY

Small reminders of the late Mike Moroney popped up in Mytemptation’s win in the Vale Michael Moroney (1100m).

Craig Williams rode the Enver Jusufovic-trained sprinter to his fourth win in as many starts in the Benchmark 80 contest.

But Moroney’s brother Paul, a noted bloodstock expert, pointed out the Melbourne Cup-winning trainer had a connection to two horses in the race.

Moroney trained the dam of Mytemptation’s sire Squamosa while the equal third placegetter Wolfy is a son of the trainer’s Group 1 winner Tivaci.

Williams said Mytemptation ($3.90) would improve on his first-up win over Prinzerro ($8).

Mytemptation is building a picket fence!

Four from four to start his career 👌@[e-mail]/AOqCXu3Mv8

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) March 8, 2025

MIDDLE EARTH’S AUSTRALIAN CUP WARNING

Classy UK import Middle sent a message to possible Australian Cup rivals with his first-up win in the Australian Cup Prelude.

Middle Earth was a Group 3 winner and Group 2 placed in England before clients of the Ciaron Maher stable imported the five – year-old.

Middle Earth missed last spring and was gelded but Maher’s patience paid off when the well-backed galloper held off his unlucky stablemate Duke De Sessa ($4.40) to score by a half neck.

“He’s only going to improve. He’s still furnishing,” Maher said of Middle Earth.

Middle Earth is now a $4.50 equal second favourite in Australian Cup betting behind Cox Plate winner Via Sistina, who is listed as a doubtful starter.

Middle Earth storms home down the straight in the Australian Cup Prelude 🚀

Mark Zahra and @cmaherracing both pick up doubles at Flemington 👏 pic.twitter.com/eTeS9kH4Ic

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) March 8, 2025

IS IT A HAT-TRICK

Is It Me completed a Flemington hat-trick on Saturday in the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) for Warrnambool trainer Dan Bowman.

Is It Me needed luck in the straight and got it for a 3¾-length win under jockey Billy Egan.

“Nice, big track. Billy Egan was positive. He said before the race what he’d do and that is how it panned out. He said it might look a bit ugly early but to bear with him,” Bowman said.

“The horse was very immature mentally and it has taken time to work out his craft. It really has been a blessing to link up with Billy.

“We just needed a bit of luck and the horse is in a good vein of form.”

South Australian raider Klabel finished strongly for second from Lady Jones.

– additional reporting by Gilbert Gardiner

Originally published as Treasurerthe Moment bound for Sydney Group 1 targets after easy win in Group 2 Kewney Stakes