Classy mare A Time For Julia gave trainer Peter Moody a treble with an impressive win in the Group 3 Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield this afternoon.
A Time For Julia scored her maiden win at Group level with a strong performance in the Bellmaine Stakes at Caulfield this afternoon. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
A Time For Julia was positioned just off the speed by jockey Luke Nolen in the early stages of the race and she showed an excellent turn-of-foot when asked for an extra effort to score a comfortable victory from a brave Danestroem and the unlucky Bonaria.
Moody had already picked up wins in the Group 3 Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) and the Group 1 Orr Stakes (1400m) and clearly happy to have scored a treble of Group races at his home track this afternoon.
“There is nothing like playing at home and we had all the advantages today,” Moody said after the race.
“The team has performed well.
“This mare has a hell of a pedigree and it was a very deserved Group win for her.”
Moody is hopeful that A Time For Julia has the talent to be competitive at Group 1 level and revealed that the Group 1 Robert Sangster Classic (1200m) at Morphettville on April 26 and The Goodwood (1200m) on May 10 are both on the agenda for the talented mare.
Nolen made it two excellent rides on the trot, after steering Moment Of Change to victory in the Orr Stakes, and the leading jockey said that he was happy to return to his best form at the start of the 2014 Melbourne Festival Of Racing.
“Confidence can leave you very quickly in this game and you start to doubt yourself when things aren’t falling into place,” Nolen said after the race.
“All you can do is give them a chance and the rest of it takes care of itself.
“Hopefully it is the start of what is going to be a fruitful autumn for us.
“There is probably no more deserving mare in that race to win; she has been a victim of bad luck a couple of times and I was glad to see her bring that excellent work of a morning to the races and showcase it.”
The Moody/Nolen team are chasing their second wins in the Robert Sangster Classic and The Goodwood after completing the double with equine superstar Black Caviar in 2012.
