Trainer Peter Moody hoping to reach Derby peak in 2025 with Grunt gelding

Champion trainer Peter Moody potentially unearthed a South Australian or Queensland derby-type galloper at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday with Reach The Peak a green but impressive winner.

Reach The Peak, ridden by Linda Meech, wins at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. Picture: Pat Scala / Racing Photos

Champion trainer Peter Moody potentially unearthed a South Australian or Queensland Derby-type galloper at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday with Reach The Peak a green but impressive winner.

Yulong Investments-owned Reach The Peak travelled sweetly behind the speed under jockey Linda Meech and shouldered out around the bend to find the front and fend off multiple challenges.

Eagle Express, also owned by Yulong, threw down the gauntlet first then Dark Simba and Olney went past to grab second and third respectively.

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Reach The Peak won the 1800m Three-Year-Old Maiden at only his third start.

The Grunt gelding was touched off at Caulfield Heath the start prior.

“He should’ve won last start,” Moody said.

“Faultless ride by Linda, the horse probably got a little bit lost when he got to the front but still good enough to round it out.

“If he’s got another one (more run) in him we’ll further his education … he’s still learning his craft but if not we won’t hesitate in stopping him and we’ll lift the bar next time.

“He might be mile and quarter-mile (2000m), mile-and-a-half (2400m) in time … he might be a horse like a South Australian, Queensland-type horse in time.”

"Too big, too strong & too good!"

Reach The Peak cannot be chased down in the opener at Caulfield Heath for a dominant maiden win 😤@moodyracingpgmpic.twitter.com/9rjR4dQMqS

— Racing.com (@Racing) December 18, 2024

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Meech praised Reach The Peak’s performance under the circumstances.

“Physically he’s very impressive but mentally he’s still learning his craft,” Meech said.

“He probably would’ve won easier but he just switched off when he got in front.

“It was the first time he’s ever hit the front, he’s big and raw and got a bit of a shock to find himself there.”

Moody, who trains in partnership with Katherine Coleman, has a busy week with runners at Seymour, Cranbourne and Yarra Valley before six starters on Pakenham Cup Day.

Roll On High will represent the stable in the $1m The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham, with Cottee in The David Bourke Memorial (1400m).

Originally published as Trainer Peter Moody hoping to reach Derby peak in 2025 with Grunt gelding