The late Mike Moroney had a belief that The Pendragon could win a good race in Australia.
After a Group 2 success in New Zealand and then chasing home high-class mare Orchestral in the Karaka Millions, The Pendragon was sent to Melbourne for a shot at the Group 1 Australian Guineas.
The effects of a long campaign, that kicked off in October 2023 and culminated with that tiring performance in the Australian Guineas the following March, meant The Pendragon did not deliver immediately on Australian shores.
Brought back for a spring campaign in the care of Moroney and Glen Thompson, The Pendragon failed to deliver in two attempts and was turned out for another break.
With the passing of Moroney earlier this year, The Pendragon was transferred into the care of the Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and J D Hayes and the gelding is set to make his return in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Ben Hayes said The Pendragon had been given a thorough grounding for his return run and will be suited over the sprint course.
“We’ve only had him this preparation and he’s been going well,” Hayes said.
“The 1200 (metres), he has run well over in New Zealand.
“I think it’s a nice race for him to kick off in. The small field will enable him to balance up and hopefully hit the line and surprise us.
“He seems like a horse that has got a bit of speed.
“He’s been down at our Pakenham base and we’re looking forward to seeing how he goes.
“He was a Group 2 winner in New Zealand, but he hasn’t quite fired here.
“He hasn’t shown us any reason why he could not recapture that form and he may have adapted a bit better here now.”
The Pendragon had some good form in New Zealand around horses well-known in Australia.
The gelding twice accounted for the Mark Walker-trained mare Quintessa, including in his win in the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) while he chased home New Zealand Derby winner and Vinery Stud Stakes winner Orchestral in the Karaka Millions.
