Trainer Mike Moroney unearths another Melbourne Cup hopeful
Trainer Michael Moroney had a day out at Flemington, snaring three winners including a budding Melbourne Cup prospect.
Mike Moroney was prepared to wait indefinitely before Aktau sent frissons of excitement through Flemington.
Given the volatile import’s unruly manners, Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Moroney didn’t expect the gelding to strike quickly on Australian soil.
With Moroney preferring to focus on long-range targets, the four-year-old’s effort to claim the Lovethehorse Trophy (1600m) served to confirm suspicions he is a top-drawer staying talent.
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The authority of Aktau’s victory prompted Moroney to declare he might have a galloper capable of emulating 2000 Melbourne Cup winner Brew.
“That was a great start but we’re well aware we still have a lot of bridges to cross,” Moroney said. “We’ll take it race by race and we’ll have a lot of fun with him.
Aktau makes a big impression in his Australian debut. Will he be a spring contender in 2020? @BallymoreStabls@cwallerracing favourite Sure Knee doesn't meet market expectations. pic.twitter.com/mxvkTMxcHr
— Racing.com (@Racing) December 21, 2019
“He’s just got to stay up and stay sound for two or three seasons and I’m pretty certain he’ll be running around in the Cups races.”
Moroney snaffled the former Roger Varian stayer as a long-term replacement for Geelong Cup winner and Sydney Cup runner-up Vengeur Masque, who is on the comeback trail after injury.
“He’s (Aktau) very unmade and to see him do it today was a bit of a surprise…we didn’t really think we had it harnessed yet,” he said.
“He’s 17 hands, big leggy bloke, unmade and that’s why we bought him.
“A bit like Vengue Masque at the same stage.
“He’s been a bit untractable at times. All of the track riders have come back and said ‘Gee, he wants to get on like an Oakleigh Plater a bit.’
“That’s not we bought him, he’s not bred to do that and he’s not that type.
“We were just a bit worried about him because he’s a bit quirky. We were warned that he was, too, from where he came from.”
Winning jockey Jye McNeil was impressed.
“Michael was very thorough to me about making the horse had a good day out and did everything right,” he said.
“I’m not sure he expected him to go as well as he did, but if he didn’t, it would be a fantastic surprise. He did it like a big kid as well. He had a bit of a baulk at the post – there’s still more to come.”
Aktau was the second leg in a treble for Moroney, who also scored with Alburq and Chicago Cub. Moroney said he would consider a trip to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Guineas on January 11 for Alburq.
“He's not a maiden any longer, so he won't be going for the Maiden, but we'll certainly give a bit of thought whether we go for the 1400-metre race or stay here,” Moroney said.
“The stable has a runner in it, Star Surprise, so it depends whether we want another.
“When I put it to (part-owner) Rupert (Legh), he was happy to stay here and go up for the maiden, but now we'll have to think about it.
“It's a tough day heat-wise and if you get it wrong you can affect the whole preparation.”
ON THE PUNT
Leo Schlink
Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn prevailed in the battle of sporting royalty when talented filly Kuramae stormed to victory in the Christmas Race Day Trophy (1400m).
Bursting clear under Dean Yendall after appearing blocked for a run, Kuramae gave Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams another deserved city spoil.
Gawn is one of Kuramae’s owners, along with TAB’s Nick Quinn.
The Melbourne ruckman was clearly delighted with Kuramae’s success in the $125,000 contest, while Need New Friends – which is part-owned by former champion cricketer Ricky Ponting’s wife Rianna – finished fifth.
Need New Friends, which started $3.90 favourite, loomed out wide before Kuramae got a timely split to dash clear.
#Bold Star continued Gordon Richards’ excellent strike rate in Melbourne this season.
The Morphettville trainer has notched six winners from his last eight runners at Flemington after crossing the border.
Bold Star gave Richards another triumph, storming down the outside for Craig Williams.
Richards said Bold Star travelled over in the heat on Thursday night.
“He’s had three days of heat in Adelaide, travelled over Thursday night and copped another hot day here yesterday,” Richards said. “He’s really only had last night to get over it all so he’s done a mighty job, especially with 59.5 kilos on his back.”
Premier jockey Craig Williams was suspended for 10 meetings for careless riding aboard Bold Star. The suspension starts after Saturday’s Valley meeting and ends on January 7, allowing Williams to ride at the Magic Millions on January 11.
#The Bagot Handicap (2800m) and possibly the 2020 Adelaide Cup are options for Secret Blaze after Christmas Carols Handicap (2500m) victory.
Posting his fifth victory for the year, Secret Blaze worked into the race solidly after being last at the 800m to down Debibrillate and El Don.
“I thought on the corner Defibrillate was going better, but he really toughed it out,” co-trainer Calvin McEvoy said. “We’re learning that he’s a pretty tough horse and a handy stayer and his next start will be in the Bagot.
“He might be an Adelaide Cup horse. He’s a progressive young stayer on the up.”
#Zac Spain is one of the most industrious characters in the jockeys’ room and his toil paid off when Manhattan Arch saluted in the Santa’s Stable Handicap (1400m).
By Manhattan Rain out of Melbourne Cup runner-up She’s Archie, Manhattan Arch has made a great return to racing after more than a year out.
Spain predicts more is to come from the gelding.
“I went and galloped him at Terang last week and he galloped enormous,” he said.
“He felt really good and he was glowing in the coat today. Dan (Bowman) placed him really well and he was never going to be beaten at the top of the straight.
“He’s had a long time but he’s come back really well. It’s a credit to Dan and his team.”
#Stawell father and daughter training partnership Terry and Karina O’Sullivan appear doomed to a lengthy stint on sidelines after unsuccessfully appealing cobalt charges.
The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board suspended the pair for a year in November 2018 after they were accused of administering cobalt to Darragh (twice) and Gold A Plenty (once) in 2015 and 2016.
The O’Sullivans obtained a stay of proceedings to continue training while they appealed the bans. But their appeal has been rejected by Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal senior member Anna Dea.
EXCUSES, EXCUSES
Parmie – Never a chance to get into clear running when third behind impressive Kuramae.
Propelle – Knocked off balance by winner Bold Star.
D’Aguilar – Lame, internal bleeding.
STEWARDS
Craig Williams – 10 meetings, careless riding.
Brian Park – nine meetings, careless riding.
Thomas Stockdale – eight meetings, careless riding.
Teo Nugent - $500, whip rule breach.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“She has a few mental issues, she doesn’t like standing in the gates too long,” Danny O’Brien after the victory of Thousand Wishes, who was vetted before being allowed to start.
TWEET OF THE DAY
“We are devastated to report the sad passing of Tavistock today. He cast a giant shadow at Cambridge Stud and will be sorely missed.” – Cambridge Stud on the paddock death of its star stallion.
Originally published as Trainer Mike Moroney unearths another Melbourne Cup hopeful
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