A strategic move by the Annabel and Rob Archibald stable to send their stayers south to Victoria paid immediate dividends, with Mormona landing a strong win in the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday.
With a shortage of suitable long-distance races in Sydney, the Archibalds opted to relocate four of their imported stayers—Mormona, Hopeful, Sir Chartwell and Double Cherry—to their recently established base at Flemington, targeting a race more suited to their strengths.
The tactical shift proved effective, with Mormona, partnered by jockey Jamie Melham, prevailing by a short neck over $2.60 favourite Muktamil, while Samuel Langhorne filled third, a further 1-¼ lengths behind.
Rob Archibald praised the decision to maintain a base in Melbourne, noting how beneficial it was to shuttle horses between states for the right races.
“There was no race in Sydney, so we came down here and it was the right race,” Archibald explained. “They don’t run many suitable staying races, so we’re pleased to have a stable at Flemington and we can come down for these sorts of races.”
Mormona had raced 10 times in Australia without success since arriving from France, where he had notched five victories. However, a runner-up finish in the Stayers Cup at Rosehill last month signalled his return to form.
“I’m not sure whether we back off him and come back for a few targets in the spring or whether we push on,” Archibald added. “He’d been building for a nice run like that, so it was good to see him put it altogether.”
Looking ahead, the gelding is expected to appreciate even longer distances, but connections are mindful of his development.
“He’ll get out over a bit further too, but whether he’s ready for that this year or not, it might be something we look to in the future. He’s still got a little way to go, but he’s on the right track.”
Melham, who was aboard Mormona for the first time, was full of praise for the stayer’s stamina and fitness, remarking on his exceptional recovery post-race.
“I was telling the owners this horse wants further,” Melham said. “He’s got a very big lung capacity because he did not blow at all afterwards. I was blowing harder than him after the race. He’s very fit, a very clean horse and was too good for them.”
Mormona was sent out a $4.20 chance with betting sites and rewarded punters who trusted he could break through in Australian conditions.