HANG MAN GAINS DESERVED VICTORY

Hang Man had to share the prize in the last race at Caulfield today but he has our full admiration for the way he fought it out.

Swinging wide into the straight under Jye McNeil, Hang Man finished strongly, reaching the front inside the final 100m with the favourite Defibrillate challenging on his outside, the judge unable to separate them on the line and judging a dead-heat in the open handicap over 1800m.

“I thought it was a very good effort,” Moroney said. “He didn’t get the best of runs but Jye kept him balanced and running and in a good rhythm.

“Defibrillate tracked him all the way and I thought our horse took him into the race and then fought on strongly to share the win.

“He’s been up a while but he’s had a couple of little breaks out of the stable so we’ll see how he is over the next few days before we make any plans.”

Moroney was delighted with effort of Sandown Classic winner Sound, which finished on the heels of the placegetters.

“I couldn’t be happier with the run,” Moroney said.

“He just got caught a bit flat-footed at the top of the straight and then ran out of room late on but to only beaten two lengths I thought was terrific.

“He’s on track for the Avondale and Auckland Cups and the run today was ideal.”