A Group 1 assignment in Sydney awaits Treasurethe Moment after the Matt Laurie-trained mare returned to winning form at Caulfield.
Saturday’s victory in the Sunline Stakes (1600m) was the mare’s first win since taking out the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last spring.
Treasurethe Moment resumed her autumn campaign finishing third in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last month which had some pundits questioning the mare.
While there were some disappointed with the mare’s failure as he $1.90 favourite, Laurie did not subscribe to that as Treasurethe Moment was forced into the unusual role of leader.
Taking the sit behind Astral Flame suited Treasurethe Moment on Saturday and moved up to the leader just prior to the 200m mark, racing to the lead and a commanding win.
Sent out the $1.55 favourite under Daniel Stackhouse, Treasurethe Moment registered a two-length win from Astral Flame ($21) with Suntora ($31) a further three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
Laurie said there had been some pressure leading into Saturday, but Treasurethe Moment had never disappointed.
“I’ve been happy with her whole career,” Laurie said.
“Her first-up run was fantastic without winning and this was a step down in grade to what she had been competing against.
“It’s lovely to see her go about it in that fashion and for the lead in to her next start, it looked ideal.”
Laurie took advantage of bringing Treasurethe Moment to Caulfield for a gallop last Saturday, which he said had the desired effect.
“It had been a number of weeks since she last ran, so she needed a trip away,” Laurie said.
“I’m glad we did it. She was on her toes and having a good sweat last weekend.
“She was much quieter today, more relaxed, and it certainly served its purpose.
“Well done to Daniel, he was cool, calm and collected and got the job done for us.”
The Group 1 Doncaster Handicap and the Group 1 Queen of The Turf Stakes, both over 1600m at Randwick on April 4 and April 11 respectively, are the next possible options for Treasurethe Moment, with the Queen Of The Turf Laurie’s preferred option.
“That will be a discussion with the owners, but I think a three-week gap to her next run would be ideal,” Laurie said.
“I think with the trip up there, it gives her time to settle in.
“The Doncaster is going to be a pretty strong race. Sheza Alibi goes there, Autumn Glow, I presume, so that might be the right way for us to go.”
