Moir Stakes Day briefs

A brief look at some of the stories on Moir Stakes Day.

Alpha Sofie sizzles in Atlantic Jewel 

The training team of Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman were taking little credit for the win of Alpha Sofie in the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m). 

Having started her career in the Sunshine State under the care of Jason Edwards where she had the record of two wins from three starts, Alpha Sofie was sent to the Pakenham stables of Moody and Coleman last month. 

"The Edwards stable up there did a fantastic job with her, and they sent her down to us in brilliant order," Coleman said. 

"Really all credit goes to them. We've only had her for a short space of time and she's had a few nice pieces of work leading into this, including a jump out at Pakenham. 

"We've been really pleased with the work that she's done, but to see her come here and do it today, it takes it to another level." 

Coleman said Alpha Sofie possessed a lovely walk and was a naturally athletic filly. 

She said plans would be further developed once they ascertain how she comes through the win. 

"I'd say first impressions, hopefully there's enough horse still that we can go on with and maybe look to head towards a (Thousand) Guineas Prelude if she does well after today," Coleman said. 

Back-to-back win for Moody-Coleman 

The Moody and Coleman team followed up Alpha Sofie's win with victory in the So You Think Stakes (1500m) with Desert Lightning. 

It was Desert Lightning's first win since taking out the Group 3 Sandown Stakes (1500m) last September which preceded the gelding running fourth in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at his following outing. 

Stretched out beyond 2000m by his previous trainer Peter Williams in New Zealand, Moody and Coleman have kept Desert Lightning to shorter trips in the time since. 

However, Desert Lightning holds a nomination for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) next month and the intention is to step up to the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on September 20 for the gelding's next run. 

"He's a really genuine horse, this bloke, and, you know, when the Yulong horse (Moira) that probably had the softer run than he did was cruising up on his outside our old boy had to really fight hard, so it was great to see," Coleman said. 

"We're thinking that we might look to stretch him out a little bit more this time round and maybe we look to go to an Underwood, but we'll see how he comes through today and go from there." 

Ryan Derby dreaming with Miewa 

Nick Ryan is likely to plot a path towards the Victoria Derby (2500m) with Miewa after the gelding's win in the opening event on Moir Staks Day. 

The son of Maurice broke his maiden in style, rounding up his rivals from last to score a strong three-quarters-of-a-length win over Ornos in the 1600m event for three-year-olds. 

Miewa's previous four starts had all been at 1400m or below and the Flemington trainer is confident he will be better out over even further. 

"Early days you're thinking you've got a Guineas horse or a Derby horse, and I think we'd probably be looking at the Derby after today, but we'll see how he pulls up and where we go," Ryan said. 

"He's a big sort of gross horse, he stripped fitter today third-up and was up in trip. 

"I think the further we go, the better he's going to get." 

Miewa is now an $11 chance in Victoria Derby betting, which is headed by last Wednesday's impressive Sandown winner Engine Of War at $6. 

Dry no problem for La Fracas  

The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable will head to Stakes company with La Fracas after his victory in the Powerflo Solutions Handicap (1200m). 

After wins on wet tracks during the winter months, La Fracas rounded up his opposition to score an emphatic first-up victory. 

But did admit to concerns with the drying track conditions. 

"Not that he's an unsound horse, but those beautiful wet-track horses, you come to firmer ground and there's a question mark," Price said. 

"So, all credit to that horse. I think he did a great job." 

Price said the Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on October 11 now looks a suitable assignment for the gelding. 

"He only just got beat over a mile last time, but this time we've just decided for some reason to keep him fresh and keep him to 1200 (metres)," Price said. 

"He's obviously enjoyed it (today), but certainly 1400 metres (will be no problem) and basically you have got to go to a Listed race, don't you?"