Magic Millions 2YO Classic winning filly Coolangatta relished a high-pressure edition of the Group 1 $1 million Moir Stakes (1000m) leading from barrier to box to burn off her brave stablemate Bella Nipotina under the lights at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Coolangatta was excellent leading all-the-way to win the 2022 Moir Stakes. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
The three-year-old daughter of Written Tycoon became the first Moir Stakes winning filly since She Will Reign (2017) thanks to a gun steer by now seven-time Group 1 winning jockey Jamie Kah.
Coolangatta, third in the Golden Slipper over the autumn, improved on her lead-up third at the track and distance in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) to lead all-the-way in a thrilling edition of the Moir.
Relishing the 50kg, the up-and-coming young star absorbed the early pressure, hit the front off her brilliant jump and never relinquished her lead leaving nothing to luck.
“I was very confident in the horse and knew the way she pulled up the other day, I knew she had a tough run but she pulled-up very well,” co-trainer Maher told the media post-win.
“She was very fit going into it.
“It was a super ride by Jamie. There are not too many jockeys that can ride 50 (kg) and ride as well as her at any weight.
“I thought she’d be sitting behind one, but she took the initiative, she took the luck out of the race.”
Coming three-wide at her pet track, the fellow Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained Bella Nipotina was the late danger but ran out of time eventually crossing a close second.
In a photo for third the Maher/Eustace stable was denied the trifecta with Generation having to settle for fourth behind the Tony Gollan-trained McEwen runner-up Zoustyle who was in the money again.
Race favourites Rothfire and Paulele meanwhile had luckless runs crossing fifth and sixth respectively.
Coolangatta and Bella Nipotina are likely to renew rivalries with Maher confirming the Group 1 $1 million Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m) back at the track on October 21 was on the agenda for both runners.
“There’s not much she (Coolangatta) can’t do. I’m sure Jamie would like to ride her again,” Maher said.
“We’ll see how she pulls up, but it’s a big tick and if she did nothing else this prep, she’s a maturing filly and it was a big effort and a great thrill.”
All-in 2022 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes betting at Ladbrokes.com.au has Coolangatta and Bella Nipotina, along with Rothfire and Paulele all at an equal $8 quote at the top of the markets.
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