A training masterstroke enabled Mr Moet to score a first-up victory in the G1 Railway Stakes at Ascot on Super Saturday.

Young Lark Hill conditioner Adam Durrant ensured the gelding was ready to strike after 140 days away and he responded with a three-quarter length triumph over last year’s winner Luckygray.

Durrant spelled Mr Moet after a G3 victory in the Strickland Stakes (2000m) in July and, after that win, issued this prophetic tip.  “I reckon he could come back and be competitive at the summer carnival,” Durrant predicted.  “He’s very raw but is suited by genuine staying tests.”

Instead of the Perth Cup (2400m), Mr Moet was kept fresh for a Railway campaign and landed some long-priced wagers in the process.  “I backed him at 150-1,” Durrant admitted.  “I’m very proud of the horse – he’s lethal when right.”

Mr Moet (4g Mosayter – Marlock Miss by Karioi Star) is a homebred for Harold Smith and the Railway pay-day increased his earnings to $1,020,080.  He hails from a Sunspeed family going back to class filly Shah-Anne (Speak Low) who was owned and trained by Mick and Lois Taylor.

Shah-Anne scored a career-high victory in the 1983 WA Sires’ Produce Stakes when ridden by their apprentice son Jim Taylor – now better known as the trainer of Barakey.

Mosayter (Storm Cat) was originally imported to Western Australia to stand at Fairfields Stud.  He was relocated last year and is now based at Argyle Thoroughbreds at Orange in NSW.  He is bred on the Storm Cat – Mr. Prospector cross and his dam Bashayer is a half-sister to G1 sires Nashwan, Nayef and Unfuwain.

– Karl Patterson