Patrick Moloney is looking forward to reuniting with his favourite horse Rich Charm when he resumes at Caulfield.
Moloney steered Rich Charm to win the Group Two Linlithgow Stakes (1200m) on November 4, the first day of the Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington.
There were wild scenes in the mounting yard post-race as trainer Udyta Clarke was overcome with emotion, while the victory meant a lot to Moloney who stood high crossing the finishing line in a victory salute that was later to cost him $500.
Moloney has ridden Rich Charm to six of his eight wins and is looking forward to the Group Two Rubiton Stakes (1100m) on Saturday on a horse he says is possibly the best he has ridden.
“I wouldn’t say I get swept along and as emotional as Mrs Clarke does as she has a special bond with all her horses, but I have a special bond come race day,” Moloney said.
“That feeling in the last furlong when he attacks the line makes him one of the best horses I’ve ridden.
“He’s pretty special to me and hopefully there’s a bit of water to flow under the bridge yet.”
Rich Charm starts from gate one in Saturday’s eight-horse field with the runners unusually drawn in saddlecloth order.
Moloney says Rich Charm has returned this campaign a more rounded individual and he has ridden him in two jump-outs at Cranbourne.
“I’ve been on him in both trials and I’m really happy with him,” Moloney said.
“His first one was absolutely brilliant while his second one, most people who saw it would say it was only fair, but I know the horse.
“He gets very complacent in his home environment and is pretty laid back.
“I was still happy with the way he trialled and he had a similar sort of trial leading up to his last campaign and he should have won first-up.
“He’s put on a bit of muscle which he needed to coming up against Group One horses this campaign.”
