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Lunar Flare goes from last to first in Sunday’s R M Ansett Classic

The Widden Stud-based Fiorente (Monsun) sired his eighth stakes winner on Sunday when Lunar Flare (6 m ex My Fair Lago by Encosta De Lago) went from last on the turn to capture the R M Ansett Classic (Listed, 2400m) at Mornington. 

Trained by Graeme Begg, Lunar Flare settled at the rear of the field and under Michael Dee made her move between runners to run on well and beat last year’s winner High Emocean (Ocean Park) by a length and three quarters. In winning Sunday’s race she took her record to six wins and nine placings in 25 career starts. 

Begg said Lunar Flare can be keen in her races but was impressed with the way the mare settled on Sunday in a moderately run race. 

"She settled really well today," Begg said. 

"At Flemington she got a bit keen, and Damien Thornton thought she over-raced a bit and cost herself. 

"It's great to be able to win a Listed race for the ownership group, John Valmorbida, Jack Bongiorno and Mr Kraps. It's fantastic for them and the mare deserves it. 

"She's been wonderfully consistent this preparation and it's great to win a nice race at Mornington." 

Lunar Flare started her career with Lindsay Park and had a maiden win at Moonee Valley to her credit before joining Begg who described the mare as progressive. 

"We've only run her at a mile-and-a-half a few times and she's had a second and a win now which is great," Begg said. 

"We might look at something like the Bendigo Cup, something around the edges, but she's a progressive mare and there's no hint of retiring her at this stage. 

"We've got a little bit more to look forward to with her." 

Lunar Flare is out of the unraced Encosta De Lago (Fairy King) mare My Fair Lago who has produced eight other winners including the stakes placed duo Sea Of Tranquility (Dash For Cash) and Eagle Command (Dash For Cash).