Coeur Volante delivered a commanding performance at Caulfield on Saturday, securing her third Stakes victory in the Gr.3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) under the guidance of jockey Blake Shinn.
Prepared by Mike Moroney and Glen Thompson, the talented Proisir mare overcame a challenging run at Sandown in her previous start, showcasing her class this time around.
Grinzinger Belle set a brisk early pace, allowing Coeur Volante to find the trail from a wide barrier.
As the leader's momentum waned rounding the final turn, Coeur Volante surged clear for a comfortable four length win from So Glamorous and Quintessa.
Moroney was full of praise for his four-year-old mare and said the decision to be patient through last year’s Queensland Carnival was now paying dividends.
"She’s a very classy filly. It's just a matter of getting the gear [right],” Moroney said.
"We had her in the Tatts Tiara (Gr.1, 1400m) and I had the blinkers on her that day and then we scratched because we weren't happy with her and saved her for now.
“She had a nice long break up there in Queensland and it's going to pay off. Her whole demeanour is starting to change now she's accepting racing. She went through a bit of a funny stage when she went off the boil - I think she's back now."
Moroney also acknowledged the teamwork behind the stable’s success given the experienced horseman’s health challenges in the past 12 months.
"Between me, Glen, Anthony, my partner Karen, I keep the business and the stable going. I've not been there a lot of late but I'm getting there,” he said.
Looking ahead, Moroney confirmed that Coeur Volante is likely to head to Sydney next.
"We’ll probably go up to Sydney with her now for the Coolmore (Gr.1, 1500m). We think she's Group One class and she ran a good race here in the Thousand Guineas, probably on pretty tired legs, so I’m pretty sure that she’ll handle 1500m no problems."
Bred by Fairdale Stud, Coeur Volante is one of 21 stakes winners by Rich Hill Stud stallion Proisir.
Out of the Testa Rossa mare Shanina, Coeur Volante was purchased by Paul Moroney Bloodstock in conjunction with Ballymore Stables for $90,000 out of the Prima Park draft during the Book 1 Yearling Sale at Karaka in 2022.
She is the younger half-sister of stakes placed filly Hasstobemagic and comes from a family that includes multiple Australian Group Two winner Rose O’ War and outstanding race mare Savana City who included the Gr.1 AJC Oaks (2400m) amongst her eight career victories. – NZ Racing Desk
