Partnering with trainer Katherine Coleman, Peter Moody secured his second Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) triumph, 14 years following the iconic Black Caviar’s success in the 2012 edition.
Luke Nolen partnered both victories, and although Black Caviar’s 1.3 length margin seemed narrow for her exceptional talent, Desert Lightning’s success was confirmed only after a tense wait from the Morphettville spectators.
Ultimately, the six-year-old gelding, sent off at $18, resisted the late charge from hot favourite Extragalactic ($3.50) to prevail by a half head, with Grand Larceny ($17) half a length further back in third position.
Previously contesting a New Zealand Derby at 2400m, Desert Lightning has mostly competed in Australia at distances between 1400-1600m, yet Coleman noted the gelding thrived with spaced-out starts and freshness.
“He’s so quirky, he’s got so much character,” Coleman said.
“He’s an older gelding, normally, they’re the quiet ones that know their job and they don’t cause too much fuss.
“Well, he carries on out there like a two-year-old, a cult most mornings and upsets other horses on the track and bounces around the stable.
“We thought he was going to be a horse that would stretch out over ground as well, but he just seems he’s best when he’s fresh and happy and bouncing, and that’s how he is today, so it’s great and a fantastic ride from Luke Nolen as well.”
Nolen positioned mid-pack early before shifting to better turf out wide during the straight, clinging to the advantage by just a nose at the finish as Extragalactic surged late, denying Trent Edmonds and Luke Cartwright their first Group One.
“That drone kept following me around everywhere,” Nolen said.
“I thought, oh, it must be a bloody chance.
“Lukey Cartwright, he does a bit of work for Moody. He’s a great little kid, his time is going to come, he’s at the start of his career, I’m a long way towards the end of mine.
“So I’m getting every one of these good races I can before we knock up time.”
“The horse has been going really well, so I think the next port of call is Queensland for another go at the Stradbroke.
“He sprinted well then on soft ground, there’s a lot of options for him, so I’ll leave it in the camp’s capable hands the way he goes off the back of it, but I’ll be joining him wherever he goes.”
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