Ultimate Cup Masque-raid
Moloney cheers change of luck and ear muffs
WINNING jockey Patrick Moloney says a gear change and a transformed attitude proved a winning combination for Vengeur Masque in yesterday’s Geelong Cup.
The six-year-old had a tough run with the barriers in recent starts and there was some consideration given to taking him to Moonee Valley on Saturday after he drew wide again at Geelong.
But the decision by trainer Mike Moroney to tough it out was ultimately a masterstroke and Moloney said it was pleasing to see Vengeur Masque’s run of bad luck turn around for the good for connections.
“He’s promised a lot at home but the main thing is getting him to switch off in his races,” the jockey said.
“You see hisearly days, he was flashing home late when he relaxed off a really good tempo and today we went with the gear changes with the ear muffs.
“We haven’t had a lot of luck, Mike Moroney and myself and the team lately with putting the ear muffs on horses, but today it was just the perfect scenario for the perfect horse.
“I couldn’t have scripted it any better, he relaxed beauti- fully and had a nice tempo. He got there a bit soon but he was just going so well for me.
“I was pretty confident a long way out and he did a good job holding them out.”
What happens next for Vengeur Masque will be in the hands of the handicappers but it is clear connections believe he is worthy of a run in the Melbourne Cup.
He finished 1.5 lengths behind Melbourne Cup favourite and last year’s winner Almandin at his previous start in the 2500m Bart Cummings — a race he came fourth in last year.
If he does not secure a penalty for yesterday’s win then the Lexus Stakes on Derby Day looms as the last chance to earn a place, but Moloney said he was confident backing up three days later would not be an issue.
“He is quite a highly strung imported horse, but since he’s been gelded he just thrives on his work so I couldn’t see (backing up) as an issue,” the 23-year-old said.
“Hopefully we don’t have to come to that scenario, but it would be a thrill to ride in a Melbourne Cup.
“I’d be pinching myself and I’m so grateful for the opportunities since I’ve joined the Moroney team. The opportunities they’ve thrown me, I’ve been to Sydney for their carnival, Adelaide for their carnival, Brisbane for their carnival and it’s been great just getting that experience.”
Moloney said he was grateful for the faith shown in him by the Ballymore team.
“I can’t thank Mike and all of the owners enough, they’re fantastic supporters and hopefully he (Vengeur Masque) just keeps on building,” he said.
“I can’t thank all the owners and supporters enough, we haven’t had a lot of luck lately, it’s been a bit tough and the horse hasn’t been hitting the line, but this horse, hopefully, is finally going to deliver on his promise.”