The Mick Price-trained grey was given a positive ride by Craig Newitt, sitting off the front runner Zululand before launching around the home turn. He came clear to win by one and three quarter lengths 1-¾ length win over Savabeel gelding Atmosphere with Group 1 Champagne Stakes winner Go Indy Go (Bernardini) running on strongly for third. (photo Darryl Sherer)
"We had some genius idea of riding him cold, but after planning the speed map this morning after the scratchings, it worked out fantastically," Price said.
"He's a good looking horse. He stands over a bit of ground. He's a big clean-winded colt with a lovely temperament. He's very sound and he's had a good two weeks." Price said.
"I think this is the race that is usually a good form race for the Victoria Derby."
Craig Newitt said he had no doubts the son of Manhattan Rain is a leading contender for the derby.
"He's a big, strong colt who the further he goes the better he'll be," Newitt said
"He's very relaxed, sat outside the leader today and his best attribute is he has a good little turn of foot, so onwards and upwards to the Derby."
Winner of the Group III National stakes at Morphettville on May 10, Moonovermanhattan takes his overall record to 2 wins and 1 second from 6 starts for earnings of $265,620.
A $100,000 purchase from the Arrowfield consignment at the 2013 Inglis Easter Australian Yearling sale, Moonovermanhattan is the fifth foal of the Listed SAJC Morphettville Guineas and Listed MRC Merson Cooper Stakes winner Lunaspur.
The first foal of Lunaspur, Moonlight Hussey (Hussonet), was a stakes-placed winner and her second foal, Forward Thinking (Charge Forward) placed at her only start. The third foal of Lunaspur is the high class Colorado Claire the winner of five of her 14 starts including the Group II ATC Phar Lap Stakes.
Lunaspur has a yearling colt by More Than Ready (USA) and was bred back to Charge Forward last spring.
