STORM BREWING AT FLEMINGTON

Mike Moroney’s pre-race confidence in Philadelphia Storm was justified when the three-year-old scored an impressive win at Flemington today.

Always travelling well under Zac Spain, Philadelphia Storm loomed around the home turn before accelerating into the lead and staying on strongly to win the Efficient Living Legends Plate over 1400 metres at his third start.

Moroney was satisfied but far from surprised.

“He’s shown us ability all the way through but just couldn’t harness it, he’s been very weak and gangly but he’s shown good ability all the way through,” Mike said.

“I kept putting him away, kept telling the owners he’s the sort of horse that is going to take time but their patience is being repaid now.

“It’s the old cliche of a race at a time but he’s kept eating and surprised me - I thought after the last run, he had to travel a wee bit to go to places, Wangaratta is a long trip and day out so he’s done a really good job and just hope he keeps doing it.”

Spain rode Philadelphia Storm to victory at his previous start at Wangaratta and praised his partner again.

“He’s a very nice horse and to his credit he did a good job today, we hit the front a lot sooner than I wanted to,” Zac said.

“He’s just doing everything on raw ability at the moment. He’s still very green still but once he puts it all together he’s going to be a really nice horse.

“I’m pretty sure I sounded a bit like Ollie out there, I was screaming at him and trying to pick him up and across the line. Credit to Mike and his team they had him spot on today, the 1400 was good and he’ll be even better over a bit further.”