NERVE NOT VERVE STEPS UP TO GROUP CLASS

Mike Moroney was quietly confident Nerve Not Verve could run a big race in Saturday’s Group 2 Chairman’s Quality at Randwick and his judgement was vindicated with a strong win.

Racing on speed as was the plan, Nerve Not Verve joined the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained import Knight’s Order early in the home straight and after duelling the length of the straight had a short-neck advantage at the line to post her first stakes win.

“She’s a really good staying mare,” Mike said. “I’ve always been a believer that she would stay, even though some of the jockeys told me that they didn’t think she would.

“I think the combination of her learning to relax a little bit more has helped in this sort of rain affected ground which she’s obviously adept in it. She’s done a great job.

“We’ve got a little to think about now whether we head to Queensland or what we do with her. She’s deep into her preparation but with mares like that they can stay in form and she’s done a really good job.

“She gave us signs during the week her work was up to the best she’s ever worked, I just couldn’t fault her. I knew she was hard and fit and probably the first trip I’ve had her percent.”

Mike revealed the daughter of Shocking came close to retirement earlier this preparation following an uncharacteristic poor run.

“We were going to go the Launceston Cup but then she went terribly one day at Moonee Valley and come close to retirement actually,” Moroney said.

“I thought she was just badly in season that day and then she came out and won her next start. She’s a lovely mare, a half-sister to a Group One winner and due to be sold in the broodmare sale but they might keep going another year again now.”