3 minute read

Meliora recorded her first black type success at Caulfield this afternoon when making all in the Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes.

The Peter Moody-trained filly was a tearaway leader during Saturday’s Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield with her more fancied rivals Members Joy and Red Fez chasing in vain as she saluted by 3.5 lengths.

Meliora’s victory comes just a fortnight after Members Joy had her measure in the Listed Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m).

Confidence levels regarding a black type success was high amongst Meliora’s camp heading into the Angus Armanasco Stakes after her latest outings where she was held together in front prior to being swamped late.

Allowing the Ad Valorem filly to roll forward under her own steam proved a winning move.

“He [Nolen] blamed himself at Flemington two runs back when people thought she didn’t run the seven in that he went too slow and tried to control it and she couldn’t quicken,” Moody said.

“It convinced us here the other day [she did] when they got to her, they couldn’t get past her and she held on solidly for fourth.

“We thought she would have no troubles running a strong seven and we’d make them chase us a long way out.

“He rated her beautifully as he does under those sorts of circumstances and the filly did the rest.”

The pursuit of further black type is now on the agenda for Meliora after her career best effort.

“We’ll look at these types of races over 6 ½ furlongs to 7 ½,” Moody said.

“We’ll just see where her form leads us; she could make her way to Sydney for a couple of fillies races.”