Just two interstate raiders ventured to Hobart for the Listed The Mills Thomas Lyons Stakes (1400m) on Sunday, with the Phillip Stokes-trained More Than Exceed emerging triumphant.
The 6yo son of More Than Ready (USA) was winning for the first time since capturing the Mildura Cup at Swan Hill in July 2020.
More Than Exceed started three times in 2021. He crossed the Tasman following a troubled sixth in the Listed John Dillon Stakes at Caulfield on January 26.
Given a positive ride by Ismail Toker, More Than Exceed hit the front a long way out. He fleetingly looked likely to be swallowed up by the chasing pack but found plenty under pressure in the closing stages.
He hit the line strongly to defeat the 2020 Lyons Stakes winner Mandella Effect (Turffontein) by a long neck, with the favourite Justacanta (Per Incanto) a further three-quarters of a length back in third.
A $260,000 purchase by his trainer from the Newgate Farm draft at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, More Than Exceed advances his record to nine wins, seven seconds and a third from 36 starts with earnings of $475,650.
“Ismail called it before the start of the race. He said he would be fourth on the fence as a few would go hard, full credit to him he rode it perfectly,” stable representative Michael Harrison said.
“I thought his run in the John Dillon at Caulfield was exceptional. He was only beaten three lengths, and his sectionals were good, and he did run out the 1400m.
“We stuck with a local jockey as Hobart is such a unique course, and Ismail rides here every week. We went with a local, and it paid off.”
Bred by Raffles Dancers, More Than Exceed is the second foal of the stakes-placed Exceed And Excel mare Exceedingly Regal, who has a troubled breeding history.
Out of a half-sister to Group 1 VATC OneThousand Guineas winner Lady Of The Pines (Bluebird), Exceedingly Regal did not have a live foal for four seasons before foaling a Flying Artie colt in 2020.
After missing in 2020, the daughter of Exceed And Excel was covered by Ole Kirk last spring.
More Than Exceed becomes the 214th black-type winner worldwide for the former Vinery stalwart More Than Ready (USA).
