Murcielaga Back In Form

Still green but full of talent, Murcielaga was a convincing winner at Ballarat on Thursday and there is confidence that the lightly raced four-year-old is ready to go right on with the job.

“He was only second up today,” said Matt Hoysted, “and he was posted three wide the trip – so it was a good, tough win.”

A horse who has always displayed plenty of natural ability – winning by three lengths at his Warrnambool debut in May last year, Murcielaga has not always had things go right.

He has however proven competitive in good company and, having been given time to mature, he looks set for a successful campaign.

Whilst he did cover ground at Ballarat, jockey Damien Oliver (pictured riding our Mackinnon Stakes winner Glass Harmonium) reported that Murcielaga was happy out there, always travelling well – “he was in his comfort zone,” he said,

adding that pushing forward or dragging back would not have aided his chances.

Swinging widest into the straight, Murcielaga joined the lead at the 200m,

laying in a bit but finding the line well – pulling clear late to win by a soft ¾ length.

“He is a lovely horse to ride,” Oliver said, “but when he gets to the front and doesn’t have anything to chase he does get a bit lost.”

Hoysted agreed – “he doesn’t quite know how to put them away yet. He is still big, raw and green but that win will have given him confidence.”

A $220,000 Easter yearling purchased by Paul Moroney, Murcielaga – named after a sports car – is raced by Krauser Racing, Dr John Kennedy, Stephen Kay, Kane Watson, Maree Keating, Peter & Julienne Bellas, Gurners Bloodstock Co, Wright Racing and R & C Legh Racing.

He is a son of Testa Rossa and the stakes placed Zabeel mare Zacushla who has produced four other winners including the metropolitan winner Kentish Rose and the nine times winner Master Danny.