Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
#1 Ranked New Bookie
Sign-up and bet with Australia's #1 ranked new bookmaker!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Massive Odds on All Races!
Sign-up and start betting with PlayUp in 2 minutes!
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 

There were a few anxious moments for punters and connections of Godiva Rock before the filly broke through for an overdue win at Moonee Valley.

A Group One Blue Diamond Stakes placegetter at her second start last season, Godiva Rock had gone winless in her first seven races before putting that right with a maiden victory in Monday’s Essendon Hyundai Santa Fe Plate (1000m).

However, those that took the $1.55 on offer would have been concerned as the filly was awkwardly placed, locked away on the fence approaching the home turn.

Jockey Vlad Duric was eventually able to get the Mick Kent-trained filly into the clear in the straight, and Godiva Rock did the rest to score by a length over Streetshavenoname with a long neck to Word Of Mouth third.

“You don’t want to ride a $1.50 pop like that,” a relieved Duric said.

“When I ended up in the box seat I was a little bit concerned. I really wanted to have her in the running line and Mick actually wanted me in the first couple but she just didn’t have the speed to go early.”

Godiva Rock showed her class over the final 100m to put the race away and Kent is now keen to build on the victory.

“It’s just good to see her win,” Kent said.

“She has good ability and she didn’t have the best of springs last year. She got a virus early and didn’t come up very well.”

He said he would like to get a Saturday-class win next before looking at stakes racing later on.

“I think there’s more to come if we take our time with her,” Kent said.

Apprentice Kayla Nisbet brought up her first city double with victory on the Matthew Dale-trained Your Excellency in the City Jeep Handicap (1200m).

Nisbet grew up in Canberra where her father trains, while Dale is also based in the nation’s capital.

“I’ve known Matty since I was about 10 and his family, so it’s a big thrill to be able to ride a winner for him at Moonee Valley,” Nisbet said.

Nisbet had earlier won on Waldorf for her boss David Hayes and narrowly missed a treble when beaten a nose on $2 favourite Girl Guide in the last race.

Meanwhile, Mark Zahra was suspended for 10 meetings for careless riding. He starts his ban straight away and can return on March 20.

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Golden Slipper Likely Field – 2024

The biggest two-year-old race of the year will jump this Saturday in arguably one of the best fields in recent...

Former trainer handed a five-year ban for pulling stewards pants down

Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the...

Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant passes away

Verry Elleegant, one of the great mares in the history of Australian racing, has died while giving birth to her...

Watch 📺 Jockey banned from all racing premises over ride

Jockey Dylan Kitts has been penalised with a disciplinary officer exclusion directive due to non-compliance with an inquiry regarding his...

Group 1 winner returns positive swab

Racing Victoria stewards are investigating a positive swab from Group 1-winning mare Prowess, the racehorse trained by Roger James and...

Alligator Blood injured, career in doubt

Cult galloper Alligator Blood may have run his last race, with trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott confirming the star galloper had...

Nikita Beriman returns to the saddle

July 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 … that period represents the just shy of seven months that Nikita Beriman...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

Best Horse Betting Sites in Australia

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps and Betting Sites – March 2024

We take a look at the best online betting apps to bet on horse racing in Australia for the month...

Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in Australia. Taking place each April at...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

 
 
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au