Bright Ballymore filly by Manhattan Rain

Friday, 24 November 2023 | Morning Bright gave Geisel Park sire Manhattan Rain a great start to a Classic weekend when she made every metre to win the Brandt Maiden Plate (1000m) at Ballarat yesterday.

A 3yo debutante for Ballymore Stables trainer Mike Moroney, she engaged in a fierce front-running duel before getting the better of Miss Margie (Deep Field) and didn’t flinch an inch when tackled late by Sistine Tunnel (Deep Field).

“This is my first sit on her and I know Mike will be very happy with that win,” 2kg apprentice Tayla Childs said back in the enclosure on Thursday.

“I spoke to him on way up here.  He told me she’s a pocket-rocket and would jump and run.  He wasn’t wrong.  Mike also said to use my claim to our advantage.

“She’s still new and is obviously on a learning curve,” added Childs who is indentured to Lindsey Smith at Warrnambool.

“She looked around at the other filly being so close on her outside but overall she travelled nicely and was just too good for them. She will be stronger, fitter and learn a lot out of that first race start.”

Morning Bright (3f Manhattan Rain – Divissima by Mastercraftsman) is the second foal of a mare who won a Paeroa nursery on debut for Moroney in 2014.  Her first is the 4yo Moroney-trained Nails And Pride (Sepoy) who was midfield at Seymour last Friday.

Her second-dam Hurricane Mist (Spinning World) was bred in Ireland by the Niarchos Family and was exported to Australia after winning the Prix de la Forterelle (1600m) as a 2yo at Chantilly. Her half-brother Erupt (Dubawi) was a two-time Group 1 winner over 2400m in the Longchamp Grand Prix de Paris and Woodbine Canadian International.

Meanwhile, local trainer Cindy Alderson will bid to make it back-to-back victories in the Apache Cat Classic (1000m) with her Manhattan Rain sprinter Jigsaw at Cranbourne on Saturday.

The speedy gelding drops back from elite level company having finished seven lengths behind champion mare Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) in the G1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on October 28.

“I know that Imperatriz is amazing but I would have been happy if he finished three lengths closer,” Alderson said.  “I’ve been pleased with his work this week.  It showed that he’s really come on since that strong race at The Valley.”

Alderson has also made some important gear changes with blinkers and cross-over nose-band removed while a tongue tie goes on. “He’s back in grade and has to carry 61kg. But he won five races last prep so has probably earned it.”

Manhattan Rain (Encosta de Lago) stands for an $8,250 service fee at Geisel Park alongside All American ($4,400) and newcomer Aysar ($8,800).  All fees (inc GST).