Moon Rises At The ‘Bool
- Sunday, 01 August 2010 03:32
Half Moon Rising trudged through a genuine Heavy (10) surface to win the $15,000 Star Printing Service Maiden Hurdle (3200m) at Warrnambool on Sunday.
Leading all the way with Adam Trinder in the saddle, Half Moon Rising appeared to have the measure of Cruyfforme with 150 metres remaining until Brad McLean shifted his mount to the outside part of the straight to race at the girth of the Graeme Smith-trained galloper.
Cruyfforme ($3-$3.10 fav) motored late only to just miss Half Moon Rising ($4.60-$6-$5.50) in a photo finish by a half head with The Member ($4-$4.20) battling away up the middle section of the straight a further in third.
Luvizpet ($4.60-$6) added little value to an already skinny First 4, while Betcha Life ($20-$26) fell at the final hurdle at the top of the straight. The seven-year-old gelding and his jockey Lee Horner were unhurt in the incident.
“He will be a good jumper in the lower grade events,” Trinder said before noting the damp track conditions.
“When we swang around for the second lap, you could really notice the difference so its going to be trying conditions for the rest of the day.
“I had a look (at the track) before the race and it appears a few lengths better out there (on the outside rail in the straight) so you might see me do it again,” he added.
Half Moon Rising boasts a solid record over the jumps with a win and two placings from four starts.
His overall record is less flattering with three wins and six placings from 23 starts with his prizemoney just beyond the $35,000 mark.
Picture: Colin Bull
