Treasurethe Moment has returned with a dominant victory in the Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes, with the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) winner proving way too good for her rivals over 1400m first up.
The Matt Laurie-trained filly was heavily backed with horse racing bookmakers from +270 into a +200 favourite, with early favourite Too Darn Lizzie going the other way from +200 to +240.
As expected, Too Darn Lizzie bounced well from the gates to find the lead, ahead of the eventual winner and Jenni The Fox.
However, with Lane still having a stranglehold on Treasurethe Moment on the home turn, it looked as though the result was inevitable, as they strolled straight past the leader with 250m to go.
Treasurethe Moment careered away from her rivals within a few strides and put the race to bed by the 150m mark, with only Jenni The Fox taking any ground off her.
Even though the winning margin was only one length, Lane was very kind to the winner late, easing her down from the 50m mark.
Matt Laurie was elated with the win post-race and he spoke to the media on course.
“It was painless sort of viewing, wasn’t it?” Laurie said.
“They hadn’t got to her at the turn and you knew she was going to have plenty in the kicker.
“So to do that as top weight, first up over 1400 after stretching her out to the Oaks trip, it’s very exciting.
“She hasn’t fully filled out into her frame by any means.
“I think there’s a lot more to come physically but she’s developed into the perfect racehorse.”
“I thought 2000 meters at Flemington was just going to be ideal on that occasion (Wakeful).
“I wondered whether she kind of crabbed around the turn here a little bit, but she won.
“It was a gritty effort and I think that was the turning point. She went from that sort of benchmark horse into a stakes horse from that point. It’s been a great ride.”
Damian Lane spoke about the winner glowingly post-race.
“She’s a class horse. She’s come back really well this preparation,” Lane said.
“I’ve been on her twice, one trial and the gallop here Tuesday in particular, I thought she’s definitely sharped up since last prep and she matured a little bit.
“There were great signs leading in to today but then to do it with the top weight, doing a little bit of work early and then into the breeze down the side (she still) never felt like getting beat.
“Too Darn Lizzie was the obvious leader and I drew outside her.
“Just using that speed that she’s got that early speed to be able to get up and sit second and then let her do the rest.”
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