Lightsaber has made the step from midweek racing to stakes level taking out the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Flemington.
The once dominant combination of Peter Moody and Luke Nolen have combined for another feature victory after Lightsaber led throughout in the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.
Moody and Nolen won feature races around Australia and are best remembered for their association with the unbeaten mare Black Caviar, including the great mare’s success at Royal Ascot.
Since Moody’s return to training ranks last May, following a four-year sabbatical, the pair has renewed their association with some strong results, but Saturday’s victory was especially pleasing for Moody.
And memories of the old Moody and Nolen team came flooding back with Lightsaber’s win.
Jumping smartly from barrier three, Nolen controlled proceedings aboard Lightsaber ($5) going on to record a 1-½ length win from Saif ($18) with Micro ($21) a short-head away third.
The victory was Lightsaber’s third on end following midweek victories at Sandown.
“He’s got an unbelievable constitution and is a real racehorse,” Moody said.
“He just does enough at home to keep you happy without excelling. He just brings it to the races and puts it on the stage.”
Moody and connections now need to decide whether to press on to something tougher in Sydney or put the two-year-old son of Zoustar away for a break and prepare for the spring.
“He’s had his fourth run in his first prep, but we saw all the superstars get beaten in Sydney earlier today and the Melbourne two-year-old form stood up,” Moody said.
“We won’t run and hide, will we, but we’ll take him home and see how he pulls up.
“He’s done a damn good job for the preparation if this is the end of it, but he’s showing me no signs of that yet.
“We’ll see what happens.”
Written by Craig Brennan
