New Zealand-bred gelding Mo’unga proved himself at weight-for-age level in the spring and trainer Annabel Neasham is looking forward to testing him against Australia’s best once again this autumn.
The son of Savabeel won first-up in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m) in September before finishing runner-up behind Incentivise in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m).
He then went on to finish handily in the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) and Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) before finishing his campaign off with a third placing in the Gr.1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m).
“He has certainly proven that he is up to those weight-for-age horses,” Neasham told RacingHQ.
“I thought his best runs were his first two over the 1400m and mile, he was just beaten in the Makybe Diva.”
Neasham is looking forward to gearing up for the autumn, with the Gr.1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) highlighted as his major target.
“At this stage I am thinking we might just keep him at those slightly shorter trips,” Neasham said.
“We know he can get 2000m, but we think he is possibly a little bit better over the shorter trips.
“I think something like a George Ryder would be a good option for him.”
Mo’unga was purchased out of Waikato Stud’s 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft by Aquis Farm for $325,000.
