Big Money can get the money in George Moore Stakes

Trainer Rodney Northam is confident that Big Money can get amongst the prizemoney again in the Group 3 $200,000 IPG Connect George Moore Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Big Money, above, is one of the main chances in the George Moore Stakes at Eagle Farm. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Big Money, above, is one of the main chances in the George Moore Stakes at Eagle Farm. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Big Money is the winner of ten of his twenty-seven starts but hasn’t been in the winner’s stall since taking out the Group 3 $150,000 DX Solutions Southern Cross Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 13.

Since then the seven year old has finished sixth Group 1 $500,000 Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville in May, twelfth in the Group 1 $1.5m Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June, second in the Listed $160,000 Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton in July and fifth in the Group 2 $175,000 Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in August.

Big Money has had a short break since the Missile stakes and Northam was very pleased with his second in an 800m Gosford barrier trial on November 11.

“He cruised up and went to the line under a strong hold,” Northam told Racing Queensland News.

“I was very happy with it, particularly the way he went through the line.

“He’s got a good draw which is just perfect for him but he’ll get back because he doesn’t like getting cluttered up.”

Big Money has drawn barrier six with regular rider Robert Thompson in the saddle again and has been allocated the top weight of 59.5kg.

“He was just not up to the Stradbroke but his stats are still good,” Northam said.

“He’s got a good alley and he trialled well at Gosford a few weeks ago.

“In some of the bigger races he’s been a bit unlucky but he makes his own luck in the lesser races.”

Big Money is rated as an $8 chance for the George Moore Stakes with Ladbrokes.com.au who have the Desleigh Forster trained Too Good To Refuse as the $3.10 favourite.

Too Good To Refuse was back in winning form and is coming off a last start win in the Listed $100,000 Keith Noud Quality (1200m) at Eagle Farm on November 19.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.