Historic Links to Melbourne Cup winner at Kyneton

Whilst we were confident that lightly raced mare Suspicious Minds was the one to beat in the Best & Less Handicap at Kyneton on Thursday, she did surprise us with the absolute authority of her victory.

Stepping up from a mile fourth at Moonee Valley to 2025m, the four-year-old got back to third last but was always travelling well for Daniel Moor who had been happy to let the mare find her feet in a race run at a good pace.

Hooking out wide into the clear at the top of the straight, Suspicious Minds quickly gathered in her rivals – looking the winner a fair way out. But it is what she did over the final 100m that really impressed.

Getting further in front with each stride, Suspicious Minds was very strong through the line, her winning margin a soft and impressive 4¾ lengths.

“They went at a good clip for her,” Moor reported, adding that Suspicious Minds was easily able to overcome being briefly held up turning – “she showed a great turn of foot.”

Raced by Ballymore Stables with prominent owner Lib Petagna, Suspicious Minds now heads to town with Michael Moroney pinpointing a mares race at Moonee Valley in three week’s time for her.

“It is an $80,000 race and she should get into it very well.”

The win was a bit of a sentimental one for the Moroney family with Suspicious Minds hailing from the same family as the 1960 Melbourne Cup winner Hi Jinx who was bred by Michael & Paul’s grandparents.

Hopefully Ballymore’s winning run continues over the weekend although we are expecting stayer Garud to improve upon whatever he shows first up in the Lola’s Gift Handicap at Flemington on Saturday.

Having his first run since June, the seven-year-old is at his best over longer trips although Moroney did note that “he can pull out the occasional good run fresh.”

Another staying type resuming is Space who kicks off his campaign in the Italian Plate at Tatura on Sunday.

“He looks great,” Moroney said, “but he is burly and whatever he does he will improve on.”

“He is not without a place chance though and I think he will have a good campaign.”

On Monday we take Deckhand to the Kilmore meeting and we are looking for a bold showing from him at his third run back from a spell.

“He is going really well and he has finally drawn a gate,” said Moroney.

“He looks to have a lot in his favour and he should prove hard to beat.”