Owner David Moodie had pencilled in a career on the picnic racing circuit for his filly Spirits Dance after her spring preparation.
He’s now contemplating a far brighter future for the daughter of Statue Of Liberty after she made it three wins on end in the Group Three Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
“Five weeks ago she was going to Hanging Rock,” Moodie said.
Spirits Dance - Photo by Sarah Ebbett
“Now we’re looking at a black-type winner whose capable of picking up a few more.
“And all of a sudden she’s a valuable broodmare.”
Spirits Dance ($6.50) displayed tremendous courage to score by a short half-head from Marianne ($8) with a further two lengths to Patricia Dawn (40-1) in third.
The victory followed similarly courageous wins at Flemington and Caulfield at her previous two starts and maintained an undefeated run this time in.
Spirits Dance’s victory also provided another landmark in the illustrious career of her trainer Peter Moody.
The Melbourne Racing Club’s “Relaxed Racing” campaign allowed the man who guided Black Caviar through her undefeated, 25-run career to become the first trainer ever to lead in a city winner in Melbourne while wearing shorts.
The race also proved notable for the failures of the well-backed visitors Bound For Earth and Shamalia.
Bound For Earth, the $3.40 favourite, finished fourth and Shamalia ($3.60) faded into fifth place after leading.
