PATIENCE REWARDED WITH VANTASTIC

Connections’ patience with Vantastic was rewarded with a comprehensive win at Benalla on Wednesday.

Racing for the first time this preparation, Vantastic had come back stronger physically and mentally according to Mike Moroney and it showed in a polished performance.

Rhys McLeod was forced to sit and wait for an opening in the home straight and when it did Vantastic bounded through and away to go clear in a matter of strides to win the Maiden Plate over 1406m.

Mike Moroney was expecting a good run and was not disappointed.

“He’d come back better mentally and is a stronger horse and it was showing in his work,” Moroney said.

“I thought he’d run well as long as he handled the ground and he sailed through it.

“It was looking a little bit tricky before the home turn but Rhys was patient and let the horse balance up and then he quickened up well to win comfortably at the finish.

"Rhys feels he still has got a bit to learn, he waited for them when he got to the front but feels he has the makings of a nice stayer.

“It’s good to get that win out of the way. He’s a horse we’ve had to be patient with but he’s lightly-raced from one of the Aga Khan’s good families so he still has it all in front of him. We'll just see how he is and take him through his grades."

Congratulations to Pinecliff Racing, R & C Legh Racing Pty Ltd, Mr T H Blackman, Mrs E A Blackman and Ballymore Stables (Aust) Pty Ltd