Famechon Fights!

Up until the weekend Famechon was one of the best credentialled maidens in the state – that was until an impressive winning performance at Geelong on Sunday.

Having his first start since finishing out of the placings in the VRC Derby last November, the now gelded (and well named) son of Haradasun kicked off his autumn campaign in a 1300m maiden.

Drifting back to third last with Damian Lane aboard, the still lightly raced three-year-old went widest at the turn and charged home with the aptly named One Inch Punch, the pair engaging in an exciting two horse battle.

It was Famechon who would prevail however, putting his nose out where it counted. Testament to the quality of his performance was the fact that there was four lengths to the third horse.

“He is a horse we have always had plenty of time for,” Michael Moroney said, noting that he had been confident of a bold first up showing.

“He was never going to stay a maiden for long.”

Contesting three stakes races during the spring carnival – finishing third in the Listed Super Impose Stakes behind subsequent Derby winner Polanski – Famechon still has plenty to learn.

Looking capable of winning his maiden by a wider margin, he got a bit lost when asked for his effort by Lane.

“Damian said he was going to win quite easily but he didn’t quite know what to do.”

“But it was a nice win from a horse still learning his craft. He can go through his classes now and we might take a look at the Brisbane winter carnival for him.”

Congratulations to owners Gurners Bloodstock Co, R & C Legh Racing, Peter Barnett, Steven Gardner, Peter Fekete, David Hall and Kevin Hayes.

A $55,000 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale purchase for Paul Moroney, Famechon is out of the unraced Galileo mare Heavenly Insight – also dam of the city placed six times winner Akamas.

Served last spring by Denman, she is a daughter of the imported stakes winner August Queen – half-sister to three stakes winners including the four times Group winner For Really.

Hopefully we have more winners to come this week with a busy few days ahead – kicking off with three runners at Mornington on Wednesday.

The first of those – Church Boy – is a horse a little like Famechon in that whilst he has plenty of ability, he is taking a little while to put it all together.

“He has run into couple of smart ones at his last couple of starts,” Moroney said – referring to Church Boy’s game seconds at his most recent outings.

“The 1600m this time will suit and he is going really well. He is the sort of horse who once he breaks through he will go on with it.”

A few races later we have two runners in the 2020m event – Baqaat and Milkwood.

“It looks to be quite a strong mares race but Baqaat comes off a good second at Yarra Valley,” Moroney said – noting that the six-year-old’s only recent form blemishes have been when she has raced at Moonee Valley.

“She just doesn’t seem to like night racing!”

Milkwood meanwhile would like some rain to merge but she is going well.

“We are happy with her and we’d be surprised if she didn’t run a good race.”

We also saddle up three at Thursday’s Bendigo meeting starting with debutant Merion in the Super Vobis 2Y0 Handicap.

The daughter of O’Reilly and the stakes winner Sapphire Belle has shown talent, Moroney describing her as “an interesting runner.”

She won a jump-out in nice fashion here recently, he said, “and she has been pretty professional.”

Asadauskaite – a Pentire filly named after a Lithuanian gold medal winning pentathlete – hails from the same family as Circles Of Gold, Elvstroem and Haradasun; hence her sporty name!

Showing ability at her first few starts in New Zealand, she has performed well in local jump-outs.

“The query is whether she wants a bit more ground but the 1400m should suit her first up,” said Moroney.

Air Striker also heads to Bendigo, the last start Wangaratta Showcase winner looking to make it a double.

“On his day he is a pretty good horse. He is rising in class but he looks up to it and he has drawn nicely and is well weighted.”

We also have a runner at Hawkesbury on Thursday – Exceed And Excel filly Music Of Life lining up in the 1000m maiden.

Showing ability when a solid sixth at her Bendigo debut last spring, she has been given time.

“She trialled really well on wettish going in New Zealand before coming over,” Moroney recalled, “but she probably didn’t settle in straight away and she was still a bit backward.”

“But she has really matured now and this looks a nice starting point for her.”

We are hoping some rain comes to Albury on Friday for Shenzhou Steeds, a quality galloper who has just not had conditions to suit of late.

“Any rain about would really give him a chance,” Moroney said of the Albury Gold Cup contestant.