Written by Georgie Dennis
Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel) kept his unbeaten record in tact and added a valuable black-type win to his CV as he steamed home to take out the Listed Dulcify Quality at Rosehill on Saturday.
The 3-year-old colt, who is trained by Chris Waller, settled well back in the field and James McDonald bided his time until a gap opened with 300 metres to go and he burst through, hit the front with 50 metre mark and won by 1.5l.
It was an Aquis-owned and Waller-trained quinella as Global Quest (More Than Ready {USA}) finished second with expensive colt Jet Propulsion (Rubick) holding on to finish third.
Waller has had too many star horses come through his stable to count and he believes Mo’unga could join that list, however he will head to the G1 Spring Champion S. rather than the G1 Golden Rose.
Mo'unga winning the Listed Dulcify Quality
"He's not seasoned enough for that type of racing just yet in my opinion but gee, he is going to be something very special to look forward to," Waller said.
"The plan was always the Spring Champion. I think he's got a great future and we don't need to bottom him out too quickly.
"I think he's got a great future and we don't need to bottom him out too quickly." - Chris Waller
"They were decent horses he was racing against. He got back from his wide draw and settled, bided his time and came through them like a real professional."
Mo'unga shortened from a $6 equal favourite into a firm $2.80 top pick for next month's G1 Spring Champion S. and is likely to have one more run in the G3 Gloaming S. before his Group 1 assignment.
Waller was also impressed with the return of Global Quest, who is set to tackle the G1 Golden Rose before heading to Melbourne for the G1 Caulfield Guineas.
"He went terrific. Had Mo'unga not been there he wins the race," Waller said.
Mo’unga was purchased by Aquis Farm for NZ$325,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale and is the only winner from two to race out of the stakes-placed mare Chandelier (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}).
Chandelier is a sister to multiple stakes winner and Group 1-placed mare Irlanda (NZ) and their dam Seraphic (NZ) (Imposing), finished second in the G1 Air New Zealand S.
Further back, this is also the family of G1 Auckland Cup winner Chenille (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) and G2 Wakefield Challenge S. scorer Not An Option (Not A Single Doubt).
Mo’unga also becomes the 101st stakes winner for champion New Zealand sire Savabeel.
