Zabeel mare Zoomania is the latest galloper to prove a Peter Moody theory right after romping away to an easy win at Caulfield.
The five-length victory in Monday’s Joe Brown Handicap (2000m) came as no surprise to Moody with the four-year-old who was having her second try at at a distance after finishing second over 2040 metres at Moonee Valley on December 11.
Zoomania winning the Joe Brown Handicap at Caulfield - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
Moody has long believed that it is usual for his horses to need a run at 2000 metres before they can win at the trip.
“I think 2000 can be a little bit of bogey distance,” Moody said.
“Maybe it is the way I train them but it takes a really top horse I reckon to win its first run at 2000 metres but they improve rapidly off it like this mare today.”
Ridden by Luke Nolen, Zoomania posted just her second win in eight starts after landing her maiden at Sandown over 1600 metres last month.
Backed from $7 to $5, she was up in the first three and had the race won halfway down the straight, coasting home well clear of The Wingman ($6.50) and favourite Royal Mail ($3.40).
Moody said Zoomania was a promising stayer and that being by Zabeel was given time to mature.
“We always thought she had nice ability but not untypical of this breed you have just got to be a bit patient with them,” Moody said.
“She’s shown nice improvement this time around with the blinkers on and getting out to a suitable trip.”
Zoomania’s dam Galapagos Girl was a dual stakes winner with her grand-dam Reigntaine an unraced sister to former gifted galloper and champion sire Centaine.
“She’s got a helluva pedigree and we will just pick her way through the grades and ultimately chase a bit of black type.” Moody said.
“She looks like she is genuinely going to stick at a mile and a half (2400m) if not beyond.”
However Moody has no major plans for her just yet.
“She is Tasmanian owned but I don’t think she will go down that path although you never say never,” he said.
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