A failed stint in the broodmare barn has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the John Thompson-trained More Prophets after she landed her most significant win in the Group 3 Dark Jewel Classic at Scone.
A Listed winner of the 2021 Mona Lisa Stakes at Wyong, More Prophets was retired to stud last year but unable to get into foal, she was given a second chance on the racetrack.
After finishing on the heels of the placegetters at her first two starts back in stakes races, More Prophets had been luckless in three subsequent runs from wide gates before finally getting the breaks in Saturday’s 1400m feature.
“She’s been going super, just no luck with wide draws (and) wet tracks,” Thompson said.
“It has been a bit of a disaster and very frustrating for the owners.
“But they’ve been patient and luckily today it has been rewarded.
“She went to stud last year and didn’t get in foal. She will go back this year but when is up to those guys.”
Apprentice Reece Jones didn’t panic when he found himself further back than anticipated on More Prophets, biding his time and weaving his way clear in the straight before pouncing on the leading division.
More Prophets ($13) scored by 1-1/4 lengths over last year’s Dark Jewel Classic winner Bring The Ransom ($13) with Short Shorts ($4.60 equal betr fav) doing a good job to hold third after getting no peace in the lead.
“She was half tardy away and one drifted in on us and put us further back than we probably would have liked,” Jones said.
“But I was able to use a nice patient ride and just sneak up underneath them.
“I got her into a bit of open room and she was just too good for them.”
The victory gave Jones a double after he earlier took out the Highway Handicap aboard local gelding Steplee.
