It’s been nearly three years since Morvada’s previous stakes win but the 6yo son of Mossman gave nothing else a chance in Saturday’s Listed John Dillon Stakes at Caulfield.
Zac Spain positioned the Peter Jolly-trained gelding on the outside of race favourite Yulong January before tacking control shortly after straightening to defeat Yulong January (King Of Prussia) by one and a half lengths with Streets Of Avalon (Magnus) a length back in third.
Morvada won the Listed Oaklands Plate at Morphettville in May 2016 and was runner-up in the Group II Moonee Valley Vase.
"I just couldn't work out why he wasn't fancied more," Jolly told AAP.
"He led all the way last start and Yulong January beat him by a long head.
"It didn't worry me but I've been very confident.
"I've worked out how to train him now too. He needs a bit of time between runs and we keep him fresh."
"I've had that much trouble with the horse.
"He's always had that much ability, but he's had a lot of leg problems and I've had to nurse him through that.
"And this is the first preparation I've been able to give him where something hasn't gone wrong with him."
A $200,000 purchase by his trainer at the 2015 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Morvada advances his record to 7 wins, 7 seconds and 5 thirds from 35 starts with earnings of $424,280.
He is the best of four winners from eight to race out of the Carnegie mare Carnegie Minstrel who is a half-sister to stakes-winner Scarlet Vanhara from the family of Group 1 ARC New Zealand Derby winner Zonda and Group II QTC PJ O'Shea Stakes winner Magnolia Hall.
Carnegie Minstrel has a colt foal by Press Statement and was covered last spring by Showtime.
