WELL-KNOWN owner Nick Moraitis has won most of the big races in Australia over his years involved with thoroughbreds and yesterday his famous white, pink and grey silks were carried to victory by Flyfillyfly in the Graincorp Maiden Handicap (1300m) at Dubbo.
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Moraitis is best known as the owner of the champion middle-distance horse Might And Power, which won a Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate among other features during his celebrated career.
Yesterday’s win may pale into insignificance compared to those events, but for trainer Myron Cooper it was a reward for the work he has done with the mare which had promised to win a race earlier but failed to deliver.
Prior to yesterday Flyfillyfly had been to the races 20 times for nine minor placings but had earned more than $30,000 in prizemoney.
In one of only two races to be contested on the rain-shortened program, the five-year-old relished the slow 7 track conditions when powering to a four-and-a-half length victory after being sent out a $4.80 chance by punters.
Jockey Anthony Cavallo took the Power Of Destiny x Flying Celebrity mare to the front out of the barriers and from there he was able to dictate the terms to his liking.
Rounding the turn Cavallo shook the mare up and she cleared out to defeat All For Kicks ($5.00, James Innes) with Winning Snip ($21.00, Meg Hoey) a long neck away third.
All For Kicks’ run was full of merit as she was caught off the track at her first run for Garry Lunn but the glory belonged to Cooper, who admitted it was nice to get a win for Moraitis and the mare’s other owner, Macquarie Stud proprietor David Baxter.
“She had the form to win this race and I told Anthony to go to the front and just let her roll,” Cooper said.
“When I got her she’d run a few minor placings but I’ve ironed out a couple of problems she had and tinkered with her gear and she’s won well today.
“It’s nice to win for Nick and David. Nick has won a lot of big races but he rings me sometimes and keeps up with how she’s going, so I’m pleased I could win a race with the mare. She deserved it.”
Cavallo said he was comfortable throughout the run that the mare would kick in the straight but admitted the winning margin surprised him.
“I knew she was getting through the wet OK and she felt like she had something to give but I didn’t think I was four clear of them,” he said.
“I could hear some of the other jocks yelling behind me and figured they were closer but it was a good win in the end.
“She will win a few more races yet, especially if she’s lucky enough to strike some more wet tracks.”
