NOT AN OPTION BOUNCES BACK TO FORM

Not An Option maintained the stables winning run by commencing a new campaign with a convincing win in the Listed Hareeba Stakes over 1200 metres today at Mornington

Not an Option started at $41 but a sparkling gallop on Tuesday had Mike Moroney confident the four-year-old, a Group Two winner in New Zealand as a juvenile, would be competitive.

Not an Option enjoyed a lovely run, settled in fifth, one off the fence, by Patrick Moloney who presented four wide on the home turn where he sustained his challenge to go clear and then fend off the pursuing Superium ($4.80 favourite) to score by a length.

“I was happy to get into the three-wide running lane on the back of Sansom along the wide, there was enough room for me to wriggle my way out," Moloney said.

"Originally I was in the one-one, following Vainstream but I thought having this one sit on him that I didn’t want to have him bullock his way out, I wanted him to flow into the race which we were able to do.

"He was up to the task today, he’s a quality animal and it’s good to see him get the job done first-up and it looks like he’s in for a nice campaign.”

Gelded since his last preparation Not An Option won at Group Two level in New Zealand and now races in the Cambridge Stud colours.

“He’s been no trouble for us and he’s a pleasure to train,” Mike said. “His work at home had me thinking he was getting back to the form the had him winning good races as a two-year-old which was going to be good enough to be winning here.

“He got a lovely ride from Patrick and then found plenty in the straight to win so it’s all positive. We’ll see how he comes through this and make a plan but it’s just good to have him back winning so we’ll enjoy the moment.

"It's been a good month so far with the Newmarket win so we'll just keep working hard and place them well and aim to keep winning."