Mood Swings ageing like a good thing as he collects Listed prize in Black Heart Bart at Belmont
Gallant gelding Mood Swings continued to belie his age when registering another Listed win in Saturday’s $125,000 Black Heart Bart Stakes (1200m) at Belmont.
The eight-year-old was shunted forward by apprentice jockey Luke Campbell to surge into second place but had to be content to stalk a fizzy Phanta who retained the lead from gate two.
Meanwhile, race favourite Searchin’ Roc’s, who started $2.80 on TABtouch, was forced to race three-wide without cover in midfield after being unable to find a closer position.
By the 500m, Campbell started to cajole Mood Swings along to pursue Phanta, who coasted into the home bend with a full head of steam under Jarrad Noske.
Turning in, Phanta found an almighty kick and scuttled two lengths clear from a driven Mood Swings who seemingly had flattened out.
Nearing the 200m, however, Campbell had galvanised Mood Swings into action and the doughty type began to whittle away at the leader.
At the 50m mark, Mood Swings’ perseverance seemed like it might yet pay dividends as he wore down the pacemaker before Super Smink ($19) zipped out of the pack.
But Mood Swings had enough up his sleeve and the winner of more than $700,000 scored by a half-length from Phanta and Super Smink.
The triumph was the son of War Chant’s ninth from 54 starts and second in Listed company after landing the Grandstand Cup over 1500m last campaign.
Trainer George Dupre said the gelding had been a slow burn and was now realising his potential.
“He’s definitely gotten better the last couple of years – I think he’s just matured and can grind out those longer races now,” Dupre said.
“We’ve trained him off the calendar really well this prep.
“Because his rating is so high now, there’s only certain races he can go in.
“But he’s where we thought he was at. He’s been working really well and he trialled brilliantly the other day.
“Today, he paraded really nice, and he was almost asleep.
“He’s a little bit of a handful, but he is who he is.”
Camera IconMood Swings wins The Black Heart Bart Stakes with Luke Campbell aboard. Credit: Sharyn Walker/Sharyn Walker / Western Racepix
Dupre said the victory rated amongst his best with the horse and didn’t come as a surprise.
“It’s up there with the (Grandstand Cup), but when he ran second in that Group 3 (Northam Stakes), it was a really good run and I was surprised he was $20 today and not mentioned at all during the week,” Dupre said.
The success provided young rider Luke Campbell with his fourth Listed win after previous wins aboard Sapphire Street, Mood Swings and Come Right Back.
“He’s so tough and his trial was enormous the other day,” Campbell said.
“He ran third to Laced Up Heels and Wild Belle, who are proven good horses, and we didn’t get beaten in the trial by very far.
“When the markets came out for this race, I thought he was definitely overs.
“He got out of the machines really well today and put himself in a lovely position.
“He relaxed beautifully and Phanta gave a better kick on straightening, but gee he was tough and he ran it down really well.
“I’m super proud of the horse’s effort.
“I love the horse. I don’t really know what to say. I’ve had a lot of luck with him and he’s been a great part of my career so far.
“I appreciate George and Linda and their team so much because they could put anyone on this horse – they could put a senior jockey on, but they stick with me.
“For them to keep using me means a lot.”
William Pike took riding honours on the day, guiding home a double for Grant and Alana Williams with Keep Attacking ($2.80) and Simply ($1.75).
#Mood #Swings #ageing #good #collects #Listed #prize #Black #Heart #Bart #Belmont