Almalad wins 2014 Jeep Bill Stutt Stakes Group 2 $200,000 at Moonee Valley (VIC) 3yo, 1600m.
Almalad settled in a good spot, fourth one out and one back following a moderate early pace (first 1000m 63.33). He
Moonovermanhattan led in the early stages before easing to race in third place on the rails. He got through to second half-way down the straight and fought on to hold that position to the post.
Kumaon was last in the nine-horse field to the 600m, he went wide from that point and he was pushed deep nearing the home turn. He ran on well over the closing stages for a good third being unsuited by the slow early tempo and a wide trip in the sprint home.
Caveka raced outside the leader to the 600m, challenged nearing the turn and battled on quite well for (2.3 lengths) fourth.
Mihany soon crossed to the lead, he was under pressure from the 600m and held on fairly well to finish (3.3 lengths) fifth.
Chivalry was seventh on the rails, attempted to improve (wide) between runners at the 600m but was beaten for
pace and then rallied over the closing stages for (3.4 lengths) sixth. He should appreciate a bigger track and a more genuine tempo.Zebulon was fifth on the rails and raced a keenly in stages due to the moderate early pace. He was held up for a run nearing the turn and dropped out late for last after a difficult trip. His effort under the circumstances probably should be overlooked.
