Glass Harmonium gave connections some compensation for his Cox Plate debacle by scoring his first Group One victory in Saturday’s Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington.
The on-pace galloper lost all chance in last week’s Cox Plate when he bungled the start but there were no such dramas in the Mackinnon.
Glass Harmonium winning the Longines Mackinnon Stakes (Group 1) at Flemington - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
Ridden by Damien Oliver, Glass Harmonium took up the running, kicking strongly and holding on to score a solid win.
Connections now have to decide whether to press on to Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.
“I’ll leave that to them but he’s brilliant at 2000 metres and I think that’s probably his best trip,” Oliver said.
“He gets a bit hot, a bit excited, but you can see at 2000 metres when he can roll along and relax in front like he did today it’s really suitable.”
Oliver is committed to Manighar in the Cup so connections will have to find a new jockey if Glass Harmonium runs.
Moroney said he was in two minds about a Cup start.
“I’ve always had a bit of a question mark with him over two miles (3200m) but if they’re ever going to try him over it, it’s the race to do it in,” trainer Mike Moroney said.
The Lloyd Williams-owned Mourayan turned in a great Cup trial to finish second with Rekindled Interest third.
AAP TURF
