First starter Moonovermanhatten leads all of the way to cause an upset win in the Group 3 $115,000 Darley National Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville today.

Moonovermanhattan leads all the way to win the Group 3 Darley National Stakes in their first race. Photo by Jenny Barnes

Winning jockey Damien Oliver took advantage of Moonovermanhatten’s early speed and took the Mick Price trained colt straight to the front and the youngster handled the heavy track perfectly.

Moonovermanhatten ($10) then showed plenty of determination to hold off the challenge of Not A Happy Camper ($7.50) to get the judge’s decision in a tight photo finish.

The Peter Moody trained Sweet And Speedy ($5) ran on well from the back with Linda Meech to finish three lengths away in third spot.

The disappointment of the race was the heavily back $2.20 favourite Bullpit who was going for back to back Morphettville wins after winning the Listed $80,000 Queen Adelaide Stakes (1050m) on April 26.

The Danny O’Brien trained Bullpit had to undergo a pre-race veterinary inspection after rearing up in the barriers and appearing to get his front legs caught over the front of the gates.

Bullpit was passed fit to start but failed to show his customary early speed and settled near the tail of the field.

Jockey Craig Newitt then made a move on Bullpit coming to the home turn forcing the favourite four wide but was quickly under the whip and faded in the straight to wind up in sixth spot, eight and half lengths from the winner.