Written by Paul Vettise
Michael Moroney’s festive return home for Christmas has been richly complimented by the stable’s upset victory in the G2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic at Ellerslie.
The Flemington-based conditioner , whose Matamata operation is overseen by the experienced Pam Gerard, was on course to celebrate the success of Pinmedown (NZ) (Pins) at odds of 32-1.
Pinmedown was making the fourth appearance of her career and was coming off a previous maiden win in a midweek contest at Hastings.
“She’s certainly improved and we’ve always liked the filly,” Moroney said.
“Pam has done a great job with her and she was quite happy to throw her in the deep end.” – Michael Moroney.
“Pam has done a great job with her and she was quite happy to throw her in the deep end.”
Pinmedown settled at the back of the field under rider Jake Bayliss and when he drew her wide at the top of the straight the 3-year-old really got into her work and produced a storming finish to upstage her rivals.
“She got a bit further back than we really wanted and he did the right thing by going back,” Moroney said.
The stable believes the well-related filly can handle a rise in distance and was being set for the G1 New Zealand Oaks.
“She’s a three-quarter sister to Ambitious Dragon so she’s a very, very valuable filly.” - Michael Moroney.
“She’s going to be on an Oaks campaign,” Moroney said. “She’s a three-quarter sister to Ambitious Dragon so she’s a very, very valuable filly.”
Pinmedown is by Pins (pictured)
Pinmedown was sourced at Karaka by Moroney’s brother Paul, who secured her out of Ardsley Stud’s draft for NZ$28,000.
“We’ll give her time to get over this race, she can still be a bit fragile but she has got any amount of ability,” Michael Moroney said.
Bayliss was also in a celebratory mood when he announced his return to the saddle in some style.
“I’ve been on the side-lines for three weeks with a suspension so I’m hungrier than ever.” – Jake Bayliss.
“I’ve been on the side-lines for three weeks with a suspension so I’m hungrier than ever,” he said.
Jake Bayliss salutes on his way to the winner's stall after a three-week suspension
“My Mum came over for Christmas and I said to her that I’ve got a chance and to have her here to watch me ride a Group 2 winner is the best Christmas present.”
Bayliss has always had a high opinion of Pinmedown and he has no doubt that she can go to another level if she can improve her behaviour.
“She’s a really nice filly, but she can get a bit above herself and get a bit hot.” – Jake Bayliss.
“She’s a really nice filly, but she can get a bit above herself and get a bit hot,” he said.
“During the run she lobbed along and dropped the bridle. I headed out wide for the better ground and got her balanced up and then let her go through her gears.”
Bayliss has confidence in Pinmedown getting out to the Classic trip of 2400 metres.
“She just needs to learn to relax before the race and it will all come together, she’s definitely an Oaks filly then.” - Jake Bayliss.
“She just needs to learn to relax before the race and it will all come together, she’s definitely an Oaks filly then.”
Trainer Michael Moroney (right) with brother Paul
House Of Cartier (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}), who is a daughter of the four-time Group 1 winner Shez Sinsational {NZ}), also came from the back of the field to finish runner-up and Queen Of Diamonds (NZ) (Savabeel) boxed on well for third after racing on the pace.
The favourite Media Sensation (I Am Invincible) was making her first appearance since winning the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas in the spring, but it wasn’t a happy return for the Peter and Dawn Williams-trained filly.
She was given every chance in the trail by rider Michael Coleman, but he was hard at work on the turn and Media Sensation didn’t respond and dropped out to tail the field home.
