A top-level challenge in Sydney lies ahead for Treasurethe Moment following her successful comeback under trainer Matt Laurie at Caulfield.
The mare’s success on Saturday in the Sunline Stakes (1600m) marked her initial triumph since claiming the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield during the previous spring.
Treasurethe Moment kicked off her autumn preparation with a third-place effort in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield a month ago, prompting doubts from certain observers about the mare.
Although some were let down by the mare’s performance as the $1.90 favourite, Laurie dismissed those concerns since Treasurethe Moment had been pushed into the uncommon position of pacemaker.
Positioned just behind Astral Flame on Saturday worked perfectly for Treasurethe Moment, as she advanced to challenge the front-runner shortly before the 200m, surging clear to a dominant victory.
As the $1.55 market elect ridden by Daniel Stackhouse, Treasurethe Moment scored by two lengths over Astral Flame ($21), while Suntora ($31) was another three-quarters of a length back in third.
Laurie noted some anticipation built up before Saturday, yet Treasurethe Moment always delivered.
"I’ve been happy with her whole career," Laurie said.
"Her first-up run was fantastic without winning and this was a step down in grade to what she had been competing against.
"It’s lovely to see her go about it in that fashion and for the lead in to her next start, it looked ideal."
Laurie made use of a gallop at Caulfield last Saturday for Treasurethe Moment, which produced the intended outcome.
"It had been a number of weeks since she last ran, so she needed a trip away," Laurie said.
"I’m glad we did it. She was on her toes and having a good sweat last weekend.
"She was much quieter today, more relaxed, and it certainly served its purpose.
"Well done to Daniel, he was cool, calm and collected and got the job done for us."
The Group 1 Doncaster Handicap and Group 1 Queen of The Turf Stakes, both at 1600m on Randwick on April 4 and April 11, represent potential targets for Treasurethe Moment, with Laurie favouring the Queen Of The Turf.
"That will be a discussion with the owners, but I think a three-week gap to her next run would be ideal," Laurie said.
"I think with the trip up there, it gives her time to settle in.
"The Doncaster is going to be a pretty strong race. Sheza Alibi goes there, Autumn Glow, I presume, so that might be the right way for us to go."
Explore the top Australian betting sites for the best odds on Treasurethe Moment heading into the Queen of the Turf Stakes.