Having claimed the race 12 months ago, the Mitchell Pateman-trained Mojo Rhythm has once again triumphed in the Group 3 R.J. Peters Stakes (1500m) at Ascot Racecourse.
The now six-year-old gelding scored as a $17 chance in the 2023 edition, but was sent around as a $31 chance with Playup on Saturday.
Patrick Carbery had the son of Playing God settled towards the rear of the field once the runners found their places, as race favourite Luvnwar ($2.80) was forced to travel three wide with no cover.
In what turned out to be a farcically run affair, unbeknownst to the leading jockeys, the race was being set up perfectly for a back marker like Mojo Rhythm to come storming over the top of his rivals late.
Despite being on heels on those in front of him as they turned for home, but once clear air appeared, Mojo Rhythm built through his gears smartly and held off the fast-finishing Yonga Lass in impressive fashion.
2024 Group 3 R.J. Peters Stakes Replay – Mojo Rhythm
Mitchell Pateman was thrilled to win the Peters Stakes for a second straight year and is set to aim Mojo Rhythm towards another crack at the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m).
“He’s a hard horse to train, you work him too hard and he races pretty flat,” Pateman said.
“I was a bit nice to him, and he needed the run in his first two, then I cracked the shits, and said nah so I got stuck into between last run and this run.
“He’s improved out of sight, he’s a good horse.
“He’s got a really good turn of foot, Pat rode him beautifully.
“We’re off to a Railway again.”
Mojo Rhythm is a $26 chance with horse racing bookmakers for the Railway Stakes next Saturday following the win.
Horse racing news