Getting Into A Winning Rhythm

It was a disappointing moment as we watched the gifted Rhythm To Spare run a long last at Caulfield last month – but a highly exciting one as we saw him quickly recapture his best form at that same track on Wednesday.

Always travelling sweetly for regular rider Glen Boss, the lightly raced four-year-old swung widest at the turn and within just a couple of strides was in front and racing away – his winning margin an impressive 2¼ lengths.

Shifting in considerably over the final stages, Rhythm To Spare ended up on the rails, Boss reporting that he was “hit but a really big gust of wind after he hit the lead.”

“There was a strong breeze out there today,” he said, adding that he was relieved to see Rhythm To Spare in winning form after his recent set-back.

“He did today what we thought he would do last start,” he said – recalling that on that occasion the horse did not feel right as soon as he asked him for his effort.

“And he was lethargic pulling up, I knew something was wrong.”

And indeed it was, Rhythm To Spare suffering from a cardiac arrhythmia which took a few days to settle.

“Fortunately it has no side effects,” Michael Moroney said, adding that an electrolyte imbalance can cause the problem which can simply be a once in a life time event for any horse.

Moroney was thrilled to see Rhythm To Spare, a horse whom he has always held in high esteem, in such easy winning form.

“He is a very talented horse,” he enthused, “and he has an electric turn of foot.”

“He is a strong horse who is only going to get stronger and when he does he will make a very good racehorse.”

Describing Rhythm To Spare as “still a bit of a baby,” Moroney always intended to give the bay a light spring and that is still the plan – although it is one with a Group One aim, the Emirates Stakes at Flemington on the final day of the carnival.

“He’d be a decent light weight chance in that,” he said.

And Boss agreed – “I have always thought him a Group class horse,” he said, “he is highly talented.”

Congratulations to owners R & C Legh Racing (manager Rupert Legh), the GG Syndicate Ltd (manager Gerard Peterson), John O'Neill, Carty Racing (manager Brett Carty), Andrew Dunne, Mark & Jody Pejic, Grant Devonport, J Lee, M & E Dominello, B D Nettlefold and Roberto & Anja Scheriani.