Magic required for Montoya's Secret at Moonee Valley

Darryl Sherer - Tuesday September 26

Group I winner Montoya's Secret is nominated for two races at Moonee Valley on Friday night and co-trainer Troy Corstens has decided which one the mare will contest and who will ride.

Joao Moreira. Photo: HKJC

Last season's Group I Vinery Stud Stakes winner had the option of the Group III JRA Cup or the Group II Stocks Stakes.

Corstens, who trains Montoya's Secret in partnership with his father Leon, will run her against her own sex over the shorter trip.

"They are both worth the same but the Stocks is a Group II for mares, plus I want to give her one more run at the mile before we step her up in trip," Corstens said.

Montoya's Secret was beaten under four lengths when finishing eighth behind Hell Or Highwater last time out in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes over 1700m at Caulfield on September 2.

Corstens took the opportunity to take Montoya's Secret to gallop at Moonee Valley on Monday and was delighted he did.

"With that little bit of rain overnight she just loved the more forgiving surface there and she's come out of it really well," Corstens said.

"Her two runs back have been ok but not as good as we'd hoped. She just doesn't let down properly on a hard track and I'm putting the last start down to the track.

"I'm using the track as an excuse but I could be wrong, it might be that she just hasn't come up but we'll find out on Friday.''

With regular rider Noel Callow suspended, Corstens has been able to secure an able substitute.

"We've booked Joao Moreira to ride. We were able to get the Magic Man and thought why not use the best in the world?" Corstens said.

"Friday night is the fork in the road for the preparation and she needs to run well."


 
Advertisment
More Reading...
Lim’s Kosciuszko Defends Kranji Mile Crown
Singapore supremo Lim’s Kosciuszko (Kermadec) brought up the 20th win of his glittering career when he retained his title in Saturday’s S$1m Kranji Mile (1600m).
Alpine Edge a New Addition for Clear Mountain Fairview
Clear Mountain Fairview’s stallion roster has a dynamic lineup of four stallions for this coming season, showcasing an array of exceptional options for breeders.
New Trainer for New Zealand
Warren Kennedy has made waves in the New Zealand jockey ranks since moving from his native South Africa, and now his wife, Barbara, is hoping to do the same as a trainer.
Alma Vale Thoroughbreds Colts Trio for MM Weanling Sale
Alma Vale Thoroughbreds produced the highest priced youngster at the recent Inglis Australian Weanling Sale when their I Am Invincible filly from Shoko sold for $575,000 and they head to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale (May 26,27) with another quality draft of three appealing colts.
Is He Any Good?
Every Saturday around Australia at this time of year there are late season three year-olds breaking their maiden, but when the horse in question is a Godolphin bred son of Lonhro that wins by nine and a half lengths on debut, we always want to know more.
Carrazzo Sport of Kings Tax Talk - Back in Sydney!
Paul Carrazzo’s regular horse tax talks in Sydney had been another victim of the Covid era, but thankfully this is soon to end with his “Sport of Kings” talk to be presented at Inglis Riverside on Friday 21 June 2024.
Sires With Winners - Monday May 20
Here is the full list of 28 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
US Stakes-Winner for Zoustar
Widden Stud’s champion sire Zoustar has been a powerhouse of winners and stakes-winners this year and has made his presence felt in North America where his talented colt King of Gosford won the $100,500 Listed Desert Code Stakes at Santa Anita on Sunday.
Wootton Bassett Colt Books His Ticket to Royal Ascot
A Group I winner last year of the Curragh Phoenix Stakes, Wootton Bassett colt Bucanero Fuerte made his seasonal retuna t Naas overnight winning the Group III Lacken Stakes (6f) in a thrilling finish.
MyRacehorse Celebrate US G1 and Aussie Success
It’s party time! Over 2,500 MyRacehorse owners in the US celebrated over the weekend after winning the second leg of the prestigious American Triple Crown of racing, the $2 million (USD) Group 1 Preakness Stakes, with star three-year-old colt Seize The Grey.