A first crop son of Vinery stallion Husson (ARG), Moral Victory waited until two months into his seventh year to claim a maiden stakes victory and he could hardly have been more impressive.
A 30/1 winner of a benchmark 85 over 1200 metres at Rosehill Gardens a fortnight back, Moral Victory garnered more respect from punters in Saturdays Group II Shannon Stakes (1500m) and he didn't let them down.
Ridden by Jason Collett for trainer Tim Martin, Moral Victory received a charmed run back on the rail in fifth as Gai Waterhouse's Caped Crusader was made to work by Entirely Platinum and Cosmic Cube to take up his favoured front-running role.
When Entirely Platinum dropped off it allowed Moral Victory to rail through. While Caped Crusader did not give in without a fight, Moral Victory had his measure and came clear to win by one and a quarter lengths with Cosmic Cube two lengths back in third. (photo Steve Hart).
In winning the Shannon Stakes Moral Victory gained ballot exemption for next Saturday's Group I Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick however Martin said the $500,000 Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) on October 8 was the long range goal.
"He's on target for a Toorak and looks on song for that after today," he said.
Bred by his trainer, Moral Victory is the third foal of the Brisbane winner Fairy Moth (Shinko Forest) who is a daughter of the Group II Bloodhorse Breeders' Stakes winner It's A Giggle (Rory's Jester).
Fairy Moth has a 2yo colt by Toorak Toff but has not had a live foal since.
Moral Victory becomes the 8th stakes winner for Husson (ARG) who stands at Vinery for a fee of $13,200.
