ARCTIC WOLF HANGS TOUGH TO WIN AT BALLARAT

Arctic Wolf overcame the testing conditions at Ballarat on Sunday to post his first win.

On a track downgraded to soft (7) Arctic Wolf was settled midfield by Mark Zahra before coming wider around the home turn to challenge, finding plenty for Zahra to hold out Cabinho in a driving finish to win the Suez Maiden Plate over 1400m.

It is the first win for Arctic Wolf who had finished second at his previous three starts and Mike Moroney was a relieved trainer afterwards.

“It was only a narrow win but a good win,” Moroney said.

“He’s a horse with a lot of natural ability but he’s still learning. Mark (Zahra) said the horse came off the bridle for s few strides when he got brushed by another horse and then he didn’t really pick up until the second horse came at him on his outside.

“Mark said the other horse probably got a neck in front but Arctic Wolf really picked up but then when he got his nose in front half switched off again.

“We’ll see how he is in the next day or two before making any decisions but I thought under the circumstances there was a bit of merit to the performance.”

Arctic Wolf was purchased as a yearling by Paul Moroney at the Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale, congratulations to R & C Legh Racing Pty Ltd, Mr RM Anderson, Mr D L Hanlin, Widden Stud Pty Ltd, Glentree Racing, Mr R Smith, B & C Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd, G J D M Racing, Top Tier Racing and Ballymore Stables (Aust) Pty Ltd.