Talented Cosmic Force gelding Recon is a work in progress and took a big step forward when taking out the $200,000 Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) at Mornington on Saturday.
Trained by Pat Carey and Harris Walker, Recon made swift progress last year as he flew through his grades racking up five wins from his first eight starts.
This year connections have upped the ante with the four year-old and started taking on better company with a last start fifth in a Listed race at Flemington indicating Recon was ready for a Black Type win.
Ridden by Patrick Moloney, Recon sprouted wings to come from last on the turn to win by a length and a half running away.
Recon is trained at Mornington and his co-trainer Pat Carey was thrilled claim the feature sprint on his home track.
"This race has been a bit of a thorn in my side," said Carey.
"We've had plenty of goes at it without winning, so it's nice to win this race today.
"He's always had good ability. He got shuffled back to nearly last at one point just before the corner, but Pat didn't panic.
"He's still lightly raced and learning his trade and is open to improvement. There's lots of races for a horse like him – this year, next year and hopefully the year after.
“Steve Watkins, who owns him and bred him, always felt he was one of his better horses he has had and he’s had a number of good horses including Abaridy who won a Caulfield Guineas.”
Recon has the overall record of six wins from 11 starts with prizemoney just shy of $280,000.
He is a half-brother to stakes-winner Who Dares and these two stakes-winners are the only foals from Equiano (Fr) mare Orvassa, a minor two time winner that died in 2022.
Recon is the sixth stakes-winner for Cosmic Force, who stands at Newgate at a fee of $16,500.
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