Patrick Moloney has proved himself to be the perfect pinch-hitter.
The stable jockey for Mike Moroney’s Flemington operation has twice answered the call from the trans-Tasman trainer to substitute in New Zealand for a suspended Jake Bayliss and both times has filled in admirably.
“I’m more than happy to take every opportunity I get to come over here and ride some nice horses,” he said.
Moloney, whose maiden visit featured victory aboard On The Rocks in the Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial (1500m), teamed up with the flying youngster She’s A Thief at Te Rapa on Saturday for an effortless win.“She’s quite an impressive filly and I was blown away with her professionalism,” he said. “I was really impressed with what she did today.”
She’s a Thief was coasting in front to the turn and glided clear in the straight with Moloney afforded the luxury of a couple of looks over his shoulder in the closing 300m.
She's A Thief, who had won in similar fashion on debut last month, will now head to the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Eclipse Stakes (1200m) on January 1 at Ellerslie before returning for the Listed Karaka Million (1200m) later in the month.
“We were going to go straight to Auckland on New Year’s Day but she was getting above herself, she’s really thriving at the moment,” said Moroney’s Matamata training partner Pam Gerard.“She’s an angel with a great attitude, she’s so easy to deal with.”
The slick daughter of Showcasing had three lengths at the post on the debutant Wisdom Patch, who raced greenly in the straight, with Dublin Rose a half of a length further back in third spot.
