Moment Of Change is currently available at 2014 Manikato Stakes odds of $19 and co-owner Rob Slade believes that price does not accurately represent the winning chances of the Barely A Moment gelding.
Moment Of Change has the chance to record a fourth win at Group 1 level in the 2014 Manikato Stakes this weekend. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Moment Of Change started his 2014 Spring Racing Carnival campaign with a second place finish carrying 62 kilograms in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on August 16, but suffered a muscle injury when he finished at the tail of the field in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 30.
The six-year-old was able to recover from the muscle problem quicker than connections expected and Slade told TVN that the triple Group 1 winner was heading into the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at peak fitness.
“He’s absolute over the muscle issue,” Slade said.
“In the last few weeks his work has gone from pleasing, to terrific to super and Peter (Moody) feels he’s got him right where he wants him now.
“I think he’s about an $8 chance, yet he’s been 20-1 all week.”
Luke Nolen has ridden Moment Of Change in the majority of his race starts, but the leading hoop will miss the Manikato Stakes meeting at Moonee Valley tonight after being suspended his ride on Lidari in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).
Chad Schofield has been booked to take the ride on Moment Of Change and will be riding the six-year-old for the first time; just like he was when won the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) on Shamus Award, the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on Lankan Rupee, the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) on Go Indy Go and the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) on Sonntag.
The young hoop said that he has heard positive reports about Moment Of Change from the Moody stable, but admits that he is worried about the wide barrier draw for the talented gelding.
“He has obviously had a few problems, but since then he has had a nice period of time to overcome them and from what I hear the stable is confident that he has.
“The only thing that I am worried about is the barrier and I don’t know where we are going to get from there, but I will really sit down and go through the form and the replays today.
“He is a big striding horse, who does appreciate a bit of room, so maybe it is a blessing in disguise.”
Lankan Rupee ($3.80) is the new favourite in 2014 Manikato Stakes betting markets from Terravista ($4), Buffering ($5.50) and Rebel Dane ($8.50).
