TOFANE DAZZLES IN THE STRADBROKE

Mike Moroney was convinced there was still more to come with Tofane and his judgement was vindicated today when the mare landed Queensland’s premier race, the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm.

The five-year-old was catalogued to sell at the recent Magic Millions National Broodmare sale however, Moroney had the $1.5m Stradbroke in mind and convinced his partners she will always be a valuable broodmare and there were good reasons to race her on.

Perfectly ridden by Craig Williams, Tofane chased down last start Group 1 winner winner Vega One to win by a half-length margin with Signore Fox holding out Mr Quickie for third.

It is the second win in the race for the stable after Mr Baritone in 2008 and Moroney suggested the option of the Group 1 Tatts Tiara over the same course in two weeks is likely to prove irresistible.

“I thought it was a great win and a great ride from Craig with everything going to plan - I have to make mention of Lily Miller who has been away with these horses and done an excellent job with them.” Moroney said.

“I was confident Tofane was back to her best and went into the race thinking she was the horse to beat. We’ll assess the mare in the next couple of days and and give the Tatts Tiara due consideration but the main thing is she has now won twice at Group 1 level which is terrific for everyone."

The win was the 64th Group 1 race win for Craig Williams, who explained the race was not all smooth sailing.

"I had to try and restrain her early as she was a bit keen and was inconvenienced in the run and then late she was really strong," Williams said.

"She was very gallant - she was the horse that wanted to stick her head out more than anyone.”