Daniel Moor has been rewarded for his work with the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable landing a stakes win at The Valley.
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained He’s Xceptional has scored a surprise first-up win at The Valley.
Enjoying the fast pace in Saturday’s McKenzie Stakes (1200m), He’s Xceptional ran down the leader Jigsaw to claim the Listed race for three-year-olds.
Jigsaw and Rock Artist carved out a fast pace with He’s Xceptional settling in third place, but as Rock Artist began to weaken coming to the hometurn, Jigsaw gave a solid kick, and Daniel Moor, aboard the winner, was not going to allow the leader too much leeway.
In a dogged battle down The Valley straight, He’s Xceptional prevailed by a half-neck from Jigsaw with Godolphin galloper Athelric a further 1-ÂŒ lengths away third.
It was a good result for Moor who has been working hard for the Busuttin and Young stable after having his momentum halted with a stint on the sidelines through injury.
“I didn’t need that five weeks off with broken ribs,” Moor said.
“I had a lot of momentum at the end of last season and it’s taken a little bit to get the weight back down, but it’s good to be firing on all cylinders for the Busuttin and Young team.”
Sam Griggs, representing Busuttin and Young, said He’s Xceptional had been underestimated throughout his career.
The gelded son of Xtravagant is now a two-time winner from six starts.
“There was obviously a few horses there with booms on them,” Griggs said.
“He’s a gelding up against the colts and he’s probably been a bit underestimated his whole career, but he’s honest and puts in.
“He’s not the easiest horse to handle but he’s furnished more, he’s not the biggest horse but he just keeps getting better.”
