Rookie trainer Annabel Neasham was entrusted with talented Savabeel colt Mo’Unga late last year after first taking out her trainer’s licence and at Rosehill on Saturday he gave her that all important first Group I success when taking out the Group I ATC Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
Racing in the familiar Aquis colours, Mo’Unga started his career with Chris Waller, winning three of his first four starts, and has continued his progression under Neasham’s guidance.
Third when resuming from a spell and then a luckless second in the Group I ATC Randwick Guineas, Mo’Unga put it altogether for Tommy Berry at Rosehill.
He travelled smoothly back in the field and when angled into clear running powered to the line to beat a determined Sky Lab by a long head with Group I winning filly Montefilia a good third.
“I can’t thank the Fung family enough for giving me an opportunity with horses like this,” said Annabel Neasham, who is yet to make a decision on Doncaster or Derby for Mo’Unga going forward..
“He came to us beautifully produced, it was just up to us to get the job done and all the team at home have done a marvellous job.”
A cracking type that made $325,000 as a yearling at Karaka when bought by Aquis, this Waikato Stud bred colt is by their champion sire Savabeel from Group III placed O’Reilly mare Chandelier, a full sister to Group II winner Irlanda.
With four wins and two placings from seven starts and prizemoney of $700,000 and change, he is the sixth Group I winner bred on the Savabeel x O’Reilly cross that has produced 20 stakes-winners.
The stats are impressive for this direct cross with 73% winners to runners and 14%stakes-winners to runners!
Mo’Unga is the 23rd Group I winner for champion sire Savabeel.
