Trainer Matt Laurie’s mare Treasurethe Moment is now set for a Group 1 test in Sydney after regaining her winning touch at Caulfield.
Saturday’s win in the Sunline Stakes (1600m) ended a drought for the mare since her Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) victory at Caulfield last spring.
In her autumn resumption, Treasurethe Moment ran third behind the field in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield a month back, causing some to question her readiness.
The mare’s defeat as $1.90 favourite left certain fans unsatisfied, though Laurie stood by her having been relegated to lead from the front unusually.
Treasurethe Moment benefited from settling behind Astral Flame during Saturday’s race, drawing level approaching the 200m before taking charge for a decisive triumph.
Ridden by Daniel Stackhouse as the $1.55 choice, Treasurethe Moment triumphed by two lengths from Astral Flame ($21) with Suntora ($31) three-quarters back in third spot.
Laurie admitted to pre-race nerves on Saturday, but the mare came through as expected.
"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."
The decision to gallop Treasurethe Moment at Caulfield last Saturday yielded positive results, Laurie explained.
"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."
Treasurethe Moment eyes the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap on April 4 or the Group 1 Queen of The Turf Stakes over 1600m at Randwick on April 11, preferring the latter.
"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."
Visit trusted betting sites to find the keenest racing odds on Treasurethe Moment for the Doncaster Handicap.