IMPRESSIVE WINS FOR HANG MAN AND PLAY THAT SONG

Hang Man shrugged off dismal conditions at Terang to win impressively on Sunday and follow up the win of Play That Song to give the stable a weekend double.

The track was rated heavy (8) for the Open Maiden over 1850m but it made no difference to Hang Man (pictured), the chestnut landing just behind the lead and travelling sweetly for Patrick Moloney around the home turn.

Moloney asked for an effort from the equal favourite and the import quickened away impressively on the surface to go on and defeat the other equal favourite Sunquest by five lengths.

Moloney said the win at his second Australian start was as impressive as it looked.

“I came here with a lot of confidence after the way he worked during the week and he’s a very impressive horse,” Moloney said.

“The way he’s improving I think he will take himself through his grades pretty easily.

“He should be better over a bit further but Mike has put some speed in his legs and he’s showing a bit of brilliance at the moment.

“He did that really comfortably and I had a few lengths up my sleeve at the finish.”

Hang Man’s win followed the impressive performance of Play That Song winning at Newcastle on Saturday.

The filly came from the tail of the field to power home under Koby Jennings and win the Class 1 & Maiden Plate over 1875m by a widening 1 1/2-lengths.

It is the second win for Play That Song who was sent north by Mike Moroney looking for suitable races over distance.

“It was very pleasing to see her relax and settle back,” Moroney said. “Then when he asked her she quickened around them and I was impressed with the way she sprinted the last furlong.

“It was an odd distance but she broke the class record which shows it was a good win.

“Provided she pulls up well we are still aiming at the race at the Gold Coast in two weeks time and the way she won on Saturday suggests to me she can be competitive in it.

“There are all the black type races for fillies later on in Brisbane and ir would be great if we can get her to some of those.”