Trainer Mike Moroney attributed a freshen-up and a perfect ride to see the best of Rhythm To Spare in Saturday's John and Denise Cobcroft Handicap (1600m) at Flemington.
Photo: Darryl Sherer
The eight-year-old spent some time on the water walker following his last start fifth in the Winter Championship Final at Flemington.
Moloney then gave Rhythm To Spare the run of the race, covered up behind the leaders to the home turn before accelerating clear 200m out to go on and defeat Amovatio ($5) by 2 1/2-lengths with Magnapal ($101) a short half-head away third.
Moroney was quick to praise both horse and rider.
"It was a very good ride by Patrick - he didn't panic, the horse has a short sharp sprint and you have to sit on him and wait until you go after him," Moroney said.
"He sat and bided his time, even in the straight he didn't really go for him until it was time.
"The freshen up really helped and he worked terrific on Tuesday so we were expecting a big run."
The eight-year-old son of Pins has now won 11 of his 44 races and earned connections $649,609 and Moroney said will be kept going.
"The horse looks like he's getting back to something like his best now and we'll push on into the spring," Moroney said.
He's going to have a residual fitness edge over a lot of them,
"He's been a good money spinner and we'll press on. While he's down in the weights I'd say he's got at least another win in him."
