FIRMER THE BETTER FOR NOT AN OPTION

A firmer surface saw the best of Not An Option who notched his sixth win in today’s Brian Beattie Handicap (1420m) at Flemington.

Racing in the colours of Brendan and Jo Lindsay of Cambridge Stud, the five-year-old stalked the speed before being presented at the right time by Patrick Moloney to go clear and score with something in hand.

Mike Moroney explained the firmer surface today was the important factor.

“It was just the change of track conditions and a lovely draw,” Moroney said. “We drew well in the Goodwood but he couldn’t handle the ground, it was too wet for him.

“He is up to winning a nice race but hasn’t had a lot of luck at the right time. We have had a crack at some big ones but things haven’t gone his way. He won with a bit in hand today and he is certainly a very nice horse.

“He has been up for a little while, I'll have a talk with Henry (Plumptre) and Brendan and see whether we head to the Winter Championship final or give him a break now.”

Patrick Moloney endorsed Mike’s opinion on the firmer surface for Not An Option.

“He is just a horse that is so much better on top of the ground. He has been racing on Soft 6s and Soft 7s and he travels up really well on the bridle but just lacks the acceleration on it,” Patrick said.

“I do think he is blessed with a lot of ability, but he is just better on these firm decks and thankfully today we got another beautifully prepared track at Flemington.”