Moriarty wins 2014 Kingston Town Classic Group 1 $500,000 at Ascot (WA) 3yo+, 1800m.
Moriarty followed up his late-closing third in the Railway Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) on 22 November to take out this Group One race, albeit narrowly. He began nicely from his inside barrier (1) and settled in a good spot, fifth on the rails. Douglas Whyte angled him away from the rails approaching the home turn and into clear running on turning for home. He challenged at the 200m and then had to dig deep to score a last-stride win.
The three-year-old Disposition went forward from his wide barrier (13) and William Pike eased him to settle in third place on the rails. He then travelled well before getting a split to challenge on straightening. He took the lead at the 200m and fought back strongly, clinging to his lead, failing by only by a halfhead at the post. He has now raced six times for four wins and twoseconds and is clearly a classy three-year-old with quite a future.
His stablemate Elite Belle was back in 12th place on the rails, before improving between runners rounding the home turn. She switched wide at the 200m and kept running on in good style to grab third nearing the post. Smokin' Joey was about ninth, between runners, got a good run through on straightening, was handy enough at the 200m and then battled on for (2.5 lengths) fourth.
Fuchsia Bandana led in the early stages, eased after being pressured by her stablemate Rebelson who then ran along at a strong tempo (first 1200m 1:11.99). She again took the lead at the home turn and did very well in holding on for (2.6 lengths) fifth.
