Trainer Peter Moody will have a strong hand in the Listed Henry Bucks Best Dressed Stakes (1400m) at Flemington this afternoon, with talented colts Monkstone and Weinholt both competing in the race.
Monkstone will clash with stablemate Weinholt in the Henry Bucks Best Dressed Stakes at Flemington this afternoon. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Monkstone will be stepping up to Listed level for the first time this weekend after he recorded an impressive two and a half lengths victory in the Download Sportingbet App Handicap (1200m) at Caulfield in July.
The Fastnet Rock colt was purchased for $1 million by leading breeding operation Coolmore and Moody is confident that he will run well at Listed level ahead of a crack at more lucrative races later in the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival.
“He didn’t have a lot of joy in his first run and he put them away nicely there,” Moody said on Racing Ahead.
“He is a bit of an immature colt but because he is an expensive colt we are going to give him a chance at a black type race or two during the spring before we see a more complete package in the autumn.
“It is a big field and he is playing away from home for the first time but he is certainly a highly talented colt.”
While Monkstone is Moody’s leading chance in the Henry Bucks Best Dressed Stakes the leading trainer also expects Weinholt to be competitive against the strong field.
The Stratum colt performed fairly in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley last start and Moody believes that the three-year-old still has plenty of improvement in front of him.
“He was ridden a bit more conservatively (at his last start) and it was certainly a much better effort,” Moody said.
“Out to 1400 metres tomorrow at Flemington should suit.
“I still think that he is an immature colt, he hasn’t come on like a lot of the colts that you see in the yard.
“He can be competitive but he will improve.”
Monkstone ($10) and Weinholt ($17) have drifted in Henry Bucks Best Dressed Stakes betting markets, while classy Kiwi colt Cauthen, Darley-owned Long John and the consistent Shamus Award have been the best backed.
