Classy stallion Mouro has scored his third straight win this afternoon, producing a huge final straight sprint to win the 2014 Group 3 TAB Rewards Stakes (1400m) from Mourinho and Fat Al at Flemington Racecourse.
Mouro claims third straight win in the Group 3 TAB Rewards Stakes for 2014. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Having jumped fairly and settled amongst the pack, leading jockey Craig Williams found a clear path for the talented Grand Slam entire, who comfortably overcame the early straight pace of pre-post favourite Strawberry Boy and managed to maintain a half-length ahead of a fast-finishing $81 outsider Mourinho.
Foreman for trainer Tony McEvoy, Jason Robertson was happy with Mouro’s performance in the TAB Rewards Stakes and outlined the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) as the major target following the win.
“It’s a great result, Tony will be very happy with that” Robertson said.
“The horse has been fantastic at home; he was nice and fresh for today and has never really let us down in any runs.
“1400 first-up suited him beautifully and a great ride from Craig.
“He’ll head up to Sydney tomorrow night, wake up there Monday morning and we’ll see how we go; try and get him to the Doncaster.
“There’s more to come here, he’ll take a lot out of the run.”
Craig Williams produced a typically brilliant ride on the talented five-year-old and was quick to praise the strong final straight efforts of Mouro.
“He had the right form for this type of race; we saw we he did in his last preparation here” Williams said.
“It’s really important to get a good rhythm with him; he’s quit e bullish type of character to ride and today the race worked out really well.
“I thought he was solid enough, but I know he will come on from the run and I like the way he’s going.
“He’s a nice horse and Tony McEvoy will have a good plan for him, that’s for sure.”
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2014 TAB Rewards Stakes Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | MOURO (USA) | Tony McEvoy | Craig Williams | – | 1 | 58.5kg | $5 |
| 2 | 5 | MOURINHO | Peter Gelagotis | Anthony Darmanin | 0.4L | 8 | 54.5kg | $101 |
| 3 | 2 | FAT AL | Peter G Moody | Luke Nolen | 3.65L | 2 | 56kg | $26 |
| 4 | 10 | OUR HAND OF FAITH | Darren Weir | Damian Lane | 3.75L | 3 | 54kg | $5.50 |
| 5 | 6 | UNDER THE EIFFEL | Tony Vasil | Corey Brown | 4.05L | 10 | 54.5kg | $17 |
| 6 | 3 | DANY THE FOX (NZ) | Mick Price | Glen Boss | 4.15L | 7 | 55kg | $7 |
| 7 | 4 | STRAWBERRY BOY | Peter G Moody | Daniel Stackhouse | 4.65L | 6 | 55kg | $3.60F |
| 8 | 7 | FLYING HUSSLER | Stephen Theodore | Craig Newitt | 7.4L | 5 | 54kg | $21 |
| 9 | 9 | BEL THOR | Wez Hunter | Chris Symons | 8.4L | 9 | 54kg | $14 |
| 10 | 8 | HIGH ESTEEM | Peter G Moody | Vlad Duric | 8.5L | 4 | 54kg | $10 |
