Astute
Newcastle trainer Paul Perry never ventures to a Melbourne Spring Carnival
without a handy horse and at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate eve he produced Uncle
Mo (USA) filly Conchita for a dominant victory.
Cherry ripe at her second run back from a spell, Conchita led throughout for
Steven Arnold to win the 1000 metre sprint by more than two lengths taking her
overall record to three wins from six starts with prizemoney topping $185,000.
"She's got beautiful speed from the barriers and I thought I'd use
that," Arnold said.
"I don't think you want to break her stride too much.
"When we got a good break on them, I gave her a little rest and she gave a
lovely kick around the corner."
A $130,000 Magic Millions purchase for her trainer from the Coolmore draft,
Conchita is the first foal of unraced Danehill Dancer (IRE) mare Royal Dance, a
half-sister to Group II winner Maria Royal.
A sire sensation in the US where his oldest progeny are three year-olds that
include Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, Uncle Mo was super popular at Coolmore
Australia last year covering 193 mares at a fee of $16,500.
He remained in Kentucky this year and has not been a return visitor to Australia
this spring.