Moody Racing had its concerns with Strawberry Boy early on
Moody Racing had its concerns with Strawberry Boy early on, but the powerful gelding proved an immediate asset to Melbourne’s leading stable with a first-up win at Flemington, reports Racing Victoria.
The John Singleton-owned gelding won the $80,000 Secondbite Fresh Food Rescue Handicap at his first start since being transferred from Gai Waterhouse’s Sydney stable over summer.
Peter Moody’s racing manager Jeff O’Connor said it was fantastic to see the Redoute’s Choice four-year-old win at his first start for the stable given the early impression they had of him.
“When he first walked into our stable we thought we might have some concerns with his weight, because he hits the ground pretty hard,” O’Connor said.
“But he came to us in pretty good nick, so it was the water walker for him. It’s trimmed him up and he showed his quality today.”
Strawberry Boy, a winner of four of his seven starts for Waterhouse, produced a dominant on-pace performance to score.
He raced keenly outside co-leader Parthian before taking over early in the straight and holding his rivals at bay. The $1.80 favourite scored by one length from Good Value ($9) with Offenders ($8.50) a long neck away third.
“He didn’t do himself any favours early, he was just a bit too fresh with the blinkers on, so he’ll improve with that,” O’Connor said.
“With the fresh run out of the way we might see a more relaxed horse next time and he’ll be a better horse.”
Moody Racing will now set his sights on better races than the Secondbite Fresh Food Rescue Handicap with a view to ascertaining what his best distance might be.
“We’ll probably have a look at Queensland, but on that win and what he’s got going forward he could be a spring horse,” he said.
“It may be up to Brisbane for a run or two, let him have a bit of time up there spelling or back at Scone and then have a good go at the spring.”