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.

Advertisement
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...
Favourites Fare Well in Karaka Millions 2YO Barrier Draw
The stage is set for a trans-Tasman showdown in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday, with Wednesday morning’s barrier draw strengthening the claims of some of the biggest players.
Sliders tops Inglis January Online as Anamoe breeding right confirmed for Feb (Early) auction
The first Inglis Digital auction of 2026 was topped by well related mare Sliders – with an I Am Invincible colt foal at foot – selling for $400,000.
Century Club – Who Has Hit 100?
With so much attention on yearling sales at present, Magic Millions last week and Karaka starting on Sunday, the sire lists have been allowed to quietly tick along unwatched and three stallions have joined the century club and now share the top spot.
Change of Luck For Baker As So You Think Gelding Shows Potential
Off the back of a few days that trainer Bjorn Baker would like to forget after the his two runners were withdrawn from the lucrative Magic Millions 2YO Classic, So You Think gelding Castagnola impressed on the Randwick Kensington track, breaking his maiden at just his second start.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday January 21
Here is the full list of 31 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Smart Hello Youmzain 3YO Salutes – Brother for K1
With the Karaka Book 1 Yearling Sale set to kick off this Sunday, the Cambridge Stud bred and sold Prince Charge cast off maiden status at Randwick on Wednesday bringing a timely update for his full brother to be offered next Monday.
Forsman Chasing More Karaka Millions Day Success
Andrew Forsman has fond memories from the annual Karaka Millions meeting, and he is hoping to record some more when he heads to Ellerslie on Saturday for the blockbuster twilight event.
Two State Double for Hello Youmzain
With the Karaka Book 1 Yearling Sale set to kick off this Sunday, the Cambridge Stud bred and sold filly Fast ‘n’ Inzaine rang up a double for her sire Hello Youmzain (Fr) when breaking the ice at Sandown on Wednesday and she has a half-sister to be offered next Monday.
Opportunity Knocks - Adelaide to Deliver Again in 2026
One of the Southern Hemisphere's most regarded and best producing auctions is ready to deliver more life changing moments this March with the online release of a quality catalogue for 2026.
Mother and Son Jockeys Reunite
Kylie Williams is hoping she will have plenty to celebrate when she is sunning herself in Rarotonga on Sunday.