SYDNEY STABLE TO THE FORE

A smart decision made four years ago by Mike Moroney to acquire full-time stables at Randwick has really come to fruition this Autumn with wins by Tribal Wisdom in the Listed Gosford Guineas (1200m) two weeks ago and Tivaci (pictured) in the Gr 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) on Saturday.

Moroney comments “I really thought ATC Directors were making the right decisions and could see prize money going up – so I moved to secure the Sydney stable. It has been absolutely fantastic for our owners who throughout that time have been able to reap the rewards of the resulting stake money with the added benefit of keeping costs down to a minimum”

Tivaci’s (High Chaparral x Breccia) sensational last-to-first victory in the weight-for-age feature was in full defiance of the day’s track pattern that was favouring those close to the speed.

Following on from tactic discussions with Moroney, senior rider Damien Oliver, kept a cool head when ensuring Tivaci settled in the running despite his position in the field.

Moroney was confident enough in his gallopers explosive turn of foot to stick to that game plan – a decision that was rewarded in abundance late in the race when Tivaci surged through the middle of the track to get the job done in dazzling fashion.

This is a very timely win considering Mark Chittick from New Zealand’s powerhouse Waikato Stud recently bought a major interest in Tivaci to ensure the impressive entire was secured for their 2017 stallion roster.

A decision will now be made this week in consultation with Bruce Perry as to the whether he races again or retires to immediately commence his stallion duties.

Tivaci who carries the colours of long-time client Lib Petagna was a AU$250,000 2014 Inglis Sydney Easter Sale purchase – secured for Ballymore Stables Australia by Paul Moroney Bloodstock.

Mike Moroney extends his deep gratitude and thanks to Paul Moroney whom not only selected this horse but then went on to strongly advocate and convince him to not geld Tivaci following the Australian Guineas last season.

Congratulations to all winning connections L Petagna, R & C Legh Racing Pty Ltd, G G Ltd, B & Mrs C Dorman, Gurners Bloodstock, Dr J & Mrs A Kennedy, G Devonport, M J Chittick & Ballymore Stables (Aust) Pty Ltd.

It's back to business on this Easter Monday for Moroney who has two lining up at Sandown.

Firstly we see Play That Song having her second start over 1200m with stable rider Patrick Moloney aboard jumping from barrier 4.

She will appreciate more ground, nonetheless, this daughter of Smart Missile cannot be underestimated over the 1200m.

She has trained on beautifully, has a lot of class about her and looks a very promising filly for next season.

We hope to see her jump well today and use the draw to run handy to produce the turn of foot we know she has. As for form in the race, she looks as good as anything else; there are a few unknowns but we couldn’t be happier with her and pick her as a real winning chance.

Top Of The Range then has his second start this preparation jumping from barrier 7 in the Chef’s Hat South Melbourne Handicap over 1600m, again with Patrick Moloney aboard.

This son of Savabeel was very impressive last time out with his huge run and dominant win despite doing everything wrong in his prelim. We are confident as we can be that these issues are ironed out and hope today illustrates that.

He meets a handy field of good horses in the same boat – lightly raced, lightly trialled and promising. But he is a class act and if he relaxes and does everything right, it would be no surprise to see another win.