Epaulette A Possible Moir Stakes Starter

Darley-owned Epaulette has joined the growing list of sprinters heading towards the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday September 27.

Epaulette

Epaulette could begin his 2013 Spring Carnival campaign in the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 27. Photo by: Daniel Costello

Trainer Peter Snowden revealed today on Racing Ahead that the recently upgraded race was a possible starting point for duel Group 1 winner Epaulette who is coming off the back of a successful yet inconsistent autumn and winter preparation.

Epaulette began his 2013 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival campaign with an eye-catching second behind equine superstar Black Caviar in the Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick but was disappointing when he finished sixth behind All Too Hard in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) a fortnight later.

Snowden took the son of Commands to Queensland for the 2013 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival and he added a second Group 1 victory to his racing resume with an impressive two lengths win in the Doomben 10,000 (1350m) in May before struggling under a heavy weight in the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm.

Epaulette was sent to the spelling paddock after his Stradbroke Handicap flop and Snowden told Radio Sports National that the four-year-old had taken great benefit out of his break.

“He spelled excellent, it has furnished him and he looks like a real race horse now,” Snowden said.

“He has always been a nice colt, but not a real athletic colt, but the stint in Brisbane and the stay out at the farm has really built him up.”

There are number of horses in contention to take the title of Champion Australian Sprinter that was vacated by Black Caviar earlier this year and several are set to clash in the Moir Stakes.

2013 The Galaxy winner Bel Sprinter, perennial Group 1 bridesmaid Buffering, Peter Moody-trained Moment Of Change and surprise Stradbroke Handicap winner Linton are all on track to contest what could be one of the most exciting races of the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival.

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Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.