In the mood for Moor love
Michael Lee
From only a handful of rides that were as eventless as the three-hour flight across the Tasman Sea a few years ago, Daniel Moor is on the cusp of a second Group win in the space of one month in New Zealand.
The Melbourne-based jockey has travelled the world - including regular stints in Singapore since 2017 until its last day on Oct 5, 2024 - far and wide, but New Zealand had beckoned only once before, until he hit the big time at his second visit on Feb 8.
Moor steered home Thedoctoroflove for good mates Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2,100m) at Ellerslie.
Unsurprisingly, the 40-year-old was booked for the So You Think three-year-old's next assigngment in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2,400m) at the same Auckland track on March 8.
"The Avondale Guineas was my first win in New Zealand. It was my second visit as I rode there in a 2YO race many years ago, and didn't win," said Moor.
"It'd be nice if I can win the New Zealand Derby this Saturday, it would be my fifth Group 1 win."
Moor boasts four Group 1 wins in Australia, with the first being Sierra Sue in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes on his 37th birthday on Sept 18, 2021. The Group 1 Mauritius Derby in 2015 does not count given its low status on the international stage.
Its New Zealand version would sit a lot higher in the hierarchy, but Moor said the race is far from cut and dried even if the Avondale Guineas win has put Thedoctoroflove - the only overseas runner - firmly among the top picks.
Despite the positive reports from Brendon Hawtin, Busuttin's travelling foreman in New Zealand, since his last ride on the two-time winner, Moor remained guarded, especially over the uncharted waters that is the distance.
"Nobody knows if he'll run out the 2,400m, even if every indication suggests he will from the way he finishes off," said Moor. "I personally think he'll relish the trip.
"He hasn't gone backward, the race has not taken its toll on him. It's an old cliche, but I think the horse has improved an awful lot.
"He had a tendency to be slow out of the gates and was quite dour last time, but it was quite surprising to see him step out quickly. I'm hopeful it was not a one-off."
Should he be tardy at the gates again, an awkward barrier No. 12 may see him settle even further back, but Moor would rather not.
"I said to Trent I was hoping between four and 10, but we got 12, which isn't too bad. The two favourites are drawn on my outside, anyway," said Moor, referring to Tuxedo (16) and Willydoit (14).
"I'll ride him forward even if he can be slow out of the gates. 75 to 80 per cent of races are won from horses in the first half.
"If he can absorb and travel in a good spot, he'll be right there."
Thedoctoroflove, who races in the famous blue and pink striped silks carried, among others, by top stallion Nicconi and North Boy, the winner of Singapore's KrisFlyer International Sprint in 2002, actually took a month of Sundays to stick his neck out where it mattered in the Avondale Guineas.
Moor countered it was the pedestrian pace that made him look like a grinder going on the one spot at the 200m.
"There were slow sectionals. It was difficult for him to sprint," he said.
"He'd be better suited to a pace where he can build into it had they gone quicker. Visually, it would've looked more appealing, but he did pick up well."
Besides adding another silverware to Moor's trophy cabinet, the Avondale Guineas raid has also helped him get the lie of the land. Nine of his rivals that day will be among the 15 he faces again in the Derby, including second to sixth - Bourbon Proof, Oceana Dream, Hakkinen, Amazing Fluke and Ridefromtheashes.
But the real worry is a new element, Waikato Guineas winner Tuxedo, in spite of a horror draw.
"Tuxedo has drawn a poor barrier in 16, but I think he's still a chance if he can get into a good spot, either in second or fourth," said Moor.
"I respect Willydoit, who was the favourite in the Guineas, but ran nowhere. He can bounce back, and Oceana Dream will also be dangerous.
"All are 3YOs getting out to a distance. You can't discount any one of them."
manyan@sph.com.sg
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