Holler wins 2016 Australia Stakes Group 2 $200,000 at Moonee Valley (VIC) 3yo+, 1200m.
Godolphin-raced colt Holler resumed after winning the Red Anchor Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) at this track on 24 October, to score a really smart first-up win. He was quickly away from barrier seven the soon crossed to race outside the leader (Sirbible), travelling at a good tempo. Craig Williams dashed him to the lead rounding the home turn and he then fought back well in the straight to score impressively.
Churchill Dancer settled about seventh but was caught three deep without cover from his difficult barrier (11). He moved up (very deep) nearing the home turn, challenged at the 100m and fought really well for a good second after a hard run.
Favourite Rebel Dane, who was having his first run since October, settled in a good spot, about sixth one off the rails. He improved between runners approaching the home turn and was second (under riding) on straightening. He then fought on for a sound first-up third after seeming to have every chance.
Hucklebuck was a handy fourth most of the way to the home turn, got through on the rails to be in a challenging position halfway down the straight and battled strongly for a very good (1.2 lengths) fourth at his first run since May last year.
Trust In A Gust settled near last, wide with cover, from his outside barrier (12). He improved from the 600m, fanned deep on turning for home and fought well to dead-heat for fifth, beaten 2.2 lengths, in a good first-up effort.
It Is Written was third on the rails, but was shuffled back nearing the home turn and battled on in restricted room to dead-head for fifth.
Last year’s winner Mourinho was second last in the 12-horse field to 600m, eased deep at the home turn and ran on in honest fashion a solid first-up (3 lengths) seventh while Ritchie's Vibe was midfield on the rails and went to the post comfortably without getting clear running for (3.1 lengths) eighth.
