Moody's Winter Winners

Published: 31 Aug 2014

Bring Me the Maid looked in good order first-up at Royal Randwick, paraded by Sydney stable forewoman Claire Cunningham

Spending the Winter in the Sunshine State of Queensland would have a positive effect on most of us and Melbourne trainer Peter Moody has shown that things are no different for the thoroughbred breed. The ex-Black Caviar conditioner followed through on a theory he has about his horses performing below expectations in the Spring and took the likes of Dissident, Better Land, Bring Me the Maid and Wish Come True on a 'holiday' in warmer climates in preparation for the stable’s Spring assault. Although the rain has stayed clear for the majority of the Sydney winter (until unleashing its fury over the past two weekends), the warmer weather and lush Queensland surroundings have clearly been a winning formula for the stable. After a good spell in the paddock, the Moody camp have been able to get their horses to a better level of fitness, using barrier trials in both Brisbane and Sydney to ensure they are ready to race.

The four horses mentioned "stood out like dogs balls" according to Moody in comparison to the other runners in his stable and all have come back with a bang. The Race Guide team noticed in the mounting yard notes that Better Land had a better shine to his coat than Sarajevo (Godolphin) first-up, as well as Bring Me The Maid (pictured above) being the fittest filly in the yard before the Silver Shade Stakes. A summary of the first-up runs for each horse is shown below:

• Dissident - Resumed with a dominant victory in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes
• Bring Me The Maid - Stormed home to win the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes
• Better Land - A couple of unlucky runs in the Listed Rosebud and Group 3 Up and Coming
• Wish Come True - A very promising return for fourth in the Listed Premier's Cup

So how does this affect us as the punter?

Fitness is a key factor this time of year with Winter horses reaching the end of their campaigns and Spring contenders returning. Some trainers will be taking it slowly, giving their southern gallopers a couple of runs to shed their Winter coats. It's a frustrating way to lose your cash if your horse isn't ready on the day.

But, Team Moody is clearly on the front foot and the campaigns of his key runners have been months in the planning. If you're having a bet you can do it with the confidence that his four Winter escapees are all "cherry ripe".