DODGE CITY TOO GOOD FIRST-UP

Dodge City took his good work at home to the track with a strong win at Wangaratta on Saturday.

Racing first-up on a heavy(9) track, Patrick Moloney rode Dodge City like he was the best horse in the race, relaxing early from a wide barrier before keeping out of trouble to the home turn.

Sweeping around the field into the home straight, Dodge City stayed on strongly and went on to win the Benchmark 58 Handicap over 1590m going away by 1-1/4 lengths under 59.5kg.

Dodge City was racing for the first time since January and Mike Moroney was impressed with the style of victory.

“There wasn’t a lot Patrick could do about it from the draw and he had a tough enough run but I was impressed with the way he rounded them up,” Moroney said.

“He almost got there too soon he went that quick and then wandered around a bit in the straight and Patrick had to help him.

“Speaking to Patrick he felt he was on the better horse and won accordingly despite a tough run. He thinks he is still learning and didn’t quite know what to do when he hit the front.

“It’s all very encouraging so hopefully we can keep him together and he can start to fulfill the promise he showed us early on.”

It is the second win for Dodge City, a son of High Chaparral and purchased as a yearling by Paul Moroney.

Congratulations to R & C Legh Racing Pty Ltd, Carty Racing, Mr M J Everett, Ms S J Nuttall, Mr G J P Van Ameyden, Mr N J Hoar, Mr V Ruiu, Mr G J Sharp, Mr J S Jackson, Mr B D Nettlefold, Mr G H K Murray, Miss K R Murray, Mr G A Bahen, Ms C J O’Brien and Ballymore Stables (Aust) Pty Ltd.