Moody Happy With P.B. Lawrence Stakes Runners

Leading Melbourne trainer Peter Moody has Lidari and Brambles resuming in the 2014 P.B. Lawrence Stakes and he expects both to run well in the Group 2 event at Caulfield tomorrow.

Brambles has had just three starts since he won the 2012 edition of the Queensland Derby.

Brambles has had just three starts since he won the 2012 edition of the Queensland Derby. Photo by: Daniel Costello

Brambles was touted as a potential Melbourne Cup contender after he scored an impressive win in the 2012 edition of the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m), but a tendon injury kept him away from racing for almost two years before he made his long-awaited return in the Listed Thoroughbred Club Cup (1440m) at Caulfield on May 3.

The Savabeel gelding was unable to record a placing in three race starts during his winter preparation, but Moody told Racing Ahead that the six-year-old had taken plenty of benefit out of his run and he is hopeful that the Group 1 winner can return to his best form during the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival.

“Those three runs that he had in the winter blew the cobwebs out and he has since had a freshen-up,” Moody said.

“He had a bit of time on the water walker and he really bounced off it really well.

“I have been pleased with the way that he is going and his jump-out here at Caulfield a couple of weeks back was really good and I am really pleased with the way that he has come up.

“It has been a couple of years labour at getting him right and I think that we will see the benefits of that in the spring if the way he is going at home is any indication.”

Lidari was sent to the spelling paddock after he failed to fire in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Royal Randwick on April 12, but he has a strong first-up record and has been one of the best-backed runners in the 2014 P.B. Lawrence Stakes betting market with Ladbrokes Australia.

Moody believes that Lidari will take plenty of benefit from returning to a firm surface; after struggling on rain affected surfaces in his two starts in Sydney and is confident he will run well in his racing return.

“Lidari has prepped up well and his jump-outs have been in great shape,” Moody said.

“He looks fantastic and his gallop on the course proper here on Tuesday was a little iffy, but they worked on very heavy ground here out wide and he is certainly going to appreciate the improving track.

“The weather here this morning is superb and I think we are going to have an absolutely pristine surface here tomorrow.

“He can run well fresh also.”

Lidari is currently available at 2014 P.B. Lawrence Stakes odds of $5 and is on the second line of betting from Puissance De Lune ($3.40), while Brambles is available at the generous quote of $31.

About The Author

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.