Spreyton trainer Adam Trinder had his biggest success in Melbourne when Mystic Journey scored a runaway win in the $120,000 Jim Moloney Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Raced by major stable client Wayne Roser, Mystic Journey sat just off the pace before powering clear in the straight to score by more than two lengths.
As well as giving Trinder his first listed race win in Victoria, it was a sweet moment for jockey Anthony Darmanin who showed his jubilation as he crossed the line.
Darmanin said he had "stuffed it up" when Mystic Journey was unluckily beaten at her previous start at Moonee Valley and he was grateful to Trinder for giving him another chance.
"I'm happy to have repaid Adam the favour - I'm just a battler and it's hard to get opportunities but he stuck by me and I appreciate it," the jockey said.
Darmanin said that Mystic Journey was "probably a certainty beaten at Moonee Valley" and didn't have the best of luck again on Saturday.
"I got stuck three deep today but I had cover and she traveled so sweetly," he said.
Trinder said that Mystic Journey was suited by the step up to 1400m even though her best form in Tasmania had been over shorter distances.
"She lacks the tactical early speed for 1200m races in Melbourne," the trainer said.
"Over the longer trip, she put herself in a good position and was able to capitalise on it."
Trinder said that, although he'd always held Mystic Journey in high regard, at times he had questioned whether she was up to Melbourne spring carnival standard.
"But now that she's ticked off another box we'll have to sit down and think about whether to step her up again and pay the late entry fee ($27,500) for the Thousand Guineas," he said.
"Obviously group 1 class is much harder than listed company but she was good and strong today.”
Sportsbet has Mystic Journey at $11 for the Thousand Guineas.