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Joao Moreira Booked For Myer Classic Ride

3 minute read

Hong Kong star Joao Moreira will ride Newcastle mare Danish Twist in her bid for a Group One win at the Flemington carnival on Saturday week.

Danish Twist
Danish Twist Picture: Racing and Sports

Trainer Kris Lees has booked the Brazilian ace for the mare in the $500,000 Myer Classic (1600m), run under weight-for-age conditions for fillies and mares.

The mount became available because of Damien Oliver’s suspension and Lees wasted no time engaging Moreira when informed the “Magic Man” would be riding at the meeting.

Oliver won the $400,000 Provincial Championships Final (1400m) at Randwick in April on Danish Twist and also rode her when fifth to Myer rival First Seal in the G2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last Saturday.

She drew the outside barrier and came from last to be beaten just under two lengths.

Moreira, after taking all before him in Singapore between 2009-2013, relocated to Hong Kong three years ago and has won the last two HK premierships.

He rode 145 winners in 2014-15 and bettered that with 168 last season.

Moreira, who rides at the Cox Plate meeting at Moonee Valley this weekend, is bringing current sensational form to Australia.

He has ridden nine winners at the last two Hong Kong meetings - five at Happy Valley last Wednesday night and four at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Lees was delighted with Danish Twist’s Tristarc performance and has planned the Myer as her third and final start this preparation.

“She ran super last Saturday considering the circumstances of the race,” he said.

“I always intended to give her only a light spring campaign and she will have a break after the Flemington race.”

Danish Twist had resumed with a close third to Takedown and Our Boy Malachi in the G2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 1.

Lees went close to a Myer Classic win in 2008 when his Cameron Handicap winner Absolutelyfabulous ran second to Forensics.

Meanwhile Lees has decided that stablemates Guard of Honour and Sense Of Occasion – both beaten at Randwick last Saturday – will not proceed to Melbourne.

Guard Of Honour finished fourth in the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m) and Lees immediately scrapped thoughts of sending him to Melbourne for Saturday week’s G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington.

“It was a high-pressure race. It was only his fourth start and he lacks a bit of maturity at present,” Lees said.

“I’m sure he will come back a better horse.”

Sense Of Occasion finished fourth as favourite to veteran Junoob in the Listed City Tattersall’s Club Cup (2400m).

“He has done a good job this campaign, and will have a short break,” Lees said. “We’ll target the Gosford Gold Cup in January with him.”


Racing and Sports

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