Stable star Splash of Moet has returned from an enforced injury break, to record a top first-up win in the Len French 3YO Handicap over 1000m at Morphettville today.
Having begun her career this time last year, with two easy wins, the Trackside Racing team couldn’t wait to get the “Splash” back onto the track, and back into winning form – the win being the first city-winner for the recently relocated stable.
There is always a question mark on any galloper, fast or slow, as to how they will return from a break of such length, and the team were rewarded for their hard work and patience with the filly doing the rest – showing she is galloper of high quality, and in more than capable hands.
Not forgetting a very much welcome winning return to stable-rider Shayne Cahill, who rode the filly superbly, and from the time the gates opened he was able to cancel out any worries that the wide barrier may have presented, being able to find himself and the filly a spot one off the fence, travelling sweetly, only three lengths from the leaders.
Coming to the turn, Splash of Moet was travelling so smoothly, and well within herself that it was almost to her detriment, wanting to push through for runs that weren’t there, wanting some clear room, thus forcing her rider to “swing” off her until the time was right to go.
That time came at the top of the straight, when the field fanned, and the manner in which she knuckled down and attacked the line, would have been very pleasing for anyone involved.
The race was safe in a matter of strides, as she flew past the leading bunch, and the final furlong was a matter cruising to the line, with the final margin a very comfortable three-quarters-of-a-length.
This is one very talented filly, and it’s just quite possible the enforced lay-off could just be a blessing in disguise, with the Splash heading into her four-year-old season in a few weeks relatively lightly-raced, with plenty to look forward to for connections, and the team at Angas Bank.
Providing all is well in the coming days, the 1050m Dermody Stakes awaits on the 27th of this month, and if Splash of Moet shows the dashing form she showed today, she may very well be the first stakes-winner to come out of Trackside Racing’s Strathalbyn base.
Daniel Borg – Trackside Media