Testa My Patience will head to the Emirates Stakes after winning the Crystal Mile

Five-year-old Testa My Patience has shown his class by winning the Group 2 Crystal Mileat Moonee Valley today.

The Testa Rossa gelding drew away from his competition over the final 100 metres to win the $200,000 race ahead of Hawk’s Bay and He’s Remarkable.

Trainer Mick Price had initially been afraid Testa My Patience would struggle in the barriers.

“I was just a little bit concerned that he might be tardy out,” Price said.

Price was impressed with the ride from jockey Craig Newitt.

“He’s riding really well Craig,” he said.

“I think he had developed some polish and maturity in his riding.”

Testa My Patience will now prepare to target the $1 million Emirates Stakes on November 5.

“He has to go to Flemington doesn’t he?” Price said.

“He’ll get his Group 1 chance.”

Testa My Patience is yet to finish any worse than fourth in his 13 career starts.

“His worse performance was fourth here and we really got greedy and should have put him in the paddock,” Co-owner Tony Webber said.

“We bred this one too.”

Jockey Craig Newitt was happy with Testa My Patience’s performance.

“He travelled very keen which is unlike him,” Newitt said.

“He surprised me.

“He showed that really good turn of foot that he’s got.

“It’s a good day especially to ride a winner.”

This is the seventh win for the gelding who has now won more than $320,000 in prize money.