Third in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate in February, the 6-year-old Shalla (IRE) gelding Mornington Glory showed his love for the track and distance with a maiden stakes success in Saturday’s Paramount Liquor Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley.
Ridden by Ethan Brown for Gavin Bedggood, Mornington Glory finished resolutely to overpower the Queensland visitor Golden Boom (Spirit Of Boom ), with Sans Doute (Not A Single Doubt) a fast-finishing third.
Mornington Glory has been a model of consistency since joining the Bedggood stable last September.
The son of Shalla (IRE) advances his record to six wins, four seconds, and two thirds from 19 starts with earnings of $539,600.
Bedggood revealed that the Group 1 Moir Stakes over the same track and distance on September 7 is under consideration.
The barrier draw gutted me, and he was three wide with no cover; he did it the hard way and was too good for them,” an emotional Bedggood said.
“I’ve got some soul-searching to do over the next week.
“Everything you hear on the radio for the last four or five weeks is going there, but it’s probably hard for us not to go because he’s three for three here over 1000m.
“A Group 1 would be great on mine and his CV.”
Bred by Gooree Stud, Mornington Glory was a $360,000 purchase for Matt Laurie Racing/Bahen Bloodstock/Andrew Williams Bloodstock from the Estate of Eduardo Cojuangco at the Magic Millions in 2020.
A half-brother to Group 1 ATC Golden Rose Stakes and Group 1 Royal Randwick Guineas winner Hallowed Crown and Group III ATC Carbine Club Stakes winner Needs Further, both successful stallions, Mornington Glory is the final foal of Crowned Glory.
In a 7-start career, the daughter of Danehill won the Group III VRC Bloodhorse Breeders' Stakes and was runner-up to Belle du Jour in a dramatic Group 1 Golden Slipper.
Mornington Glory is the 17th stakes-winner for the dual Group 1 winner Shalaa (IRE), who stands at Woodside Park Stud this season for $19,800.
.jpg)
