Jockey Patrick Moloney has a bit more spending money for his European vacation after guiding Not An Option to victory at Flemington.
Appreciating the Good 4 track conditions of the Brian Beattie Handicap (1420m) on Saturday, Not An Option registered his first win since March in comfortable style.
After enjoying a good run behind Lindsay Park stablemates Crosshaven and Monarch Of Egypt, Moloney had to switch over that pair’s heels early in the straight before going on to victory.
Not An Option ($10) scored by 1-¼ lengths from Bullfinch ($17) with Crosshaven ($5.50) three-quarters of a length away third.
“At one point I thought we were in a bit of trouble after we followed the horse I thought was the one to beat,” Moloney said.
“He travelled really well in the run and when the Hayes horses paired off in the straight, I was still travelling well behind them, but then I was able to switch over heels and let down really well.
“He’s a horse that is so much better on top of the ground.”
Not An Option scored at Flemington over 1400m in March before three runs in Stakes company.
The gelding finished third in the Hareeba Stakes (1200m) at Mornington, but either side of that run he was hampered by wet tracks.
“The change of track conditions and a lovely draw helped him today,” trainer Mike Moroney said.
“He drew well in The Goodwood, but he just couldn’t handle the ground, it was too wet for him.
“He’s up to winning a nice race, but he hasn’t had a lot of luck at the right time.
“We’ve had a crack at some big ones, but things haven’t gone his way.”
Moroney said he would discuss options with Henry Plumptre and owners that include Brendan and Jo Lindsay from Cambridge Stud as to plans with the rising five-year-old.
The Listed VRC-CRV Winter Championship Final (1600m) at Flemington on July 1 is likely to come under consideration.
“I’ll have a talk with Henry and the Brendan and see what we do, whether we head to the Final or take another path,” Moroney said.
“He had been placed at a mile before I got him. He’s a nice horse but just needs things going his way.”