The Moir Stakes was a triumph all-round for Vinery stallions when Samaready (More Than Ready) led home a Group 1 quinella from Buffering (Mossman) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Samaready sat off the pace before delivering a dominant four length victory in what was a heart-warming result for Vinery part-owner Gerry Harvey and general manager Peter Orton.
“She won the G1 Blue Diamond but missed her three year-old season through injury,” trainer Mick Price said. “She recouperated at Vinery and Peter wouldn’t let her off the property until everything was okay.”
The Vinery mare is by the stud’s champion sire More Than Ready and she was ready to pounce when the ever-reliable Buffering led the Moir field into the straight. “She’s so brave and we love her,” Price added. “She really hit the line tonight.”
Winning jockey Craig Newitt was confident after the mare produced a winning gallop earlier this week. “She travelled well and exploded when I pushed the button. She was arrogant out there and won with a lot in hand.”
Harvey bred Samaready and she was entered for the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions only to be withdrawn due to a cut leg. She recovered in time to be sold for $150,000 three months later at the Inglis Easter Sale.
Harvey kept a share and races her with fellow Vinery part-owners Greg Perry, Alan Green and Steve McCann along with Newstead Farm’s Neville Gibson. ‘‘I had my eyes on her at the Easter Sale because of the More Than Ready connection,” Orton recalled. “Even as a yearling she was a looker.’
Price indicated Samaready will return to Moonee Valley for the G1 Manikato Stakes on October 25. She has won 6 times in 8 starts for earnings over $1.58 million. Her only losses have been in the 2012 Golden Slipper (3rd to Pierro) and 2012 Quezette Stakes (4th to Elite Elle).
Samaready will be a valuable replacement for her dam Samar who died at Vinery earlier this month after foaling a More Than Ready colt.
Champion sire More Than Ready is standing for a $99,000 (inc gst) fee at Vinery this year.
– Karl Patterson