Trainer Mike Moroney is hopeful a fitness edge will allow Rhythm To Spare to pick up a better-class race during the early stages of the Melbourne spring carnival.

Rhythm To Spare regained winning form after a patient ride by Patrick Moloney in the John and Denise Cobcroft Recognition Handicap at Flemington on Saturday.

Backed from $9 to $7.50, Rhythm To Space scored by 2-1/2 lengths from Amovatio ($5) with Magnapal ($101) a short half-head away third.

Moroney said Rhythm To Spare had been a consistent money spinner for the stable with Saturday’s win taking his prize money to just shy of $650,000.

He said the eight-year-old lost form last preparation and was delighted to see the gelding land his second win from six starts this campaign.

“We lost him a bit last preparation but he’s back now and we’ll go further into the spring,” Moroney said.

“He’s going to have a fitness edge on some of them.

“Last time he was running fourth and fifth in weaker races but he’s going much better this time around.”

Moroney praised the ride of Moloney, saying the gelding can be tricky to handle.

He said it was important to gain cover on the gelding and then time his run.

“The horse has only got a short run and Patrick waited before going for him,” he said

“It worked out perfectly.”

Credit: AAP