Last Friday night kicked of the night racing season at Moonee Valley featuring the Group 1 Moir Stakes won by tough campaigner Buffering. The first race on the card was a 1,200 metres sprint for 3yos worth $100,000 with a further $30,000 Super VOBIS bonus.
A month earlier Super VOBIS qualified Tudor (3c Strategic – Tendue) pictured by Bruno Cannatelli had contested the listed McKenzie Stakes which was won by promising Ken Keys 3yo Rich Enuff. Tudor was unlucky in running and shuffled back toward the rear and never really in contention. Trainer Doug Harrison chose to give him a week off in the paddock before bringing him back into work.
On Friday Tudor had drawn the wide gate. Craig Williams’ plan was to roll him forward and let him breeze. The field jumped evenly and Craig pushed the colt forward to the lead. Unpressured, Craig was able to give Tudor a midrace breather. He stole a break after quickening at the turn and then responded to Craig’s riding in the straight to lengthen even further. Tudor went on to win effortlessly by more than two lengths. Race replay: 26 Sep 14 Moonee Valley.
Tudor is by Darley Victoria’s stallion Strategic from Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm’s Skidoodle (by Encosta de Lago). It was his second career victory from just seven starts.
A week earlier another Lauriston Thoroughbred farm bred 3yo was led into the winner’s stall. Danefleur (Danewin x Flower Power) had suffered setbacks before having her first start on Saturday 20th September at Moe in a 1,200 metre maiden for 3yos.
Drawn wide Darren Gauci was positive from the jump on Danefleur. Down In Mayo was reluctant to give up the lead and the two eyeballed each other for the majority of the race. Finally Danefleur gained the upper hand and managed to hold off A Bit Sketchy who closed late. “She had a lot of pressure on her from the outset,” commented trainer Ricky Maund after the race “But she was tough. It was a super debut.”
