Fast win for Moody galloper

By Glen Atwell
WHEN leading thoroughbred trainer Peter Moody rushes from Cranbourne race trials to Pakenham Racecourse, there’s a fair chance his runner in the race is a good thing.
This proved true yesterday when imported colt Very Hot ($1.90) proved just that, saluting for Moody in the first race.
Ridden by Luke Nolen, Very Hot burst from the barriers in his second career start and in his first without blinkers and powered down the Pakenham straight to win with ease, beating Lady Buccaneer and Nibbles.
After the race, Nolen said the horse was still learning, but possessed good talent.
“He is still learning how to stay off the bridal, he doesn’t really know much, so there is a fair bit of improvement in him,” he said.
The colt is a threeyearold on the American scale and looks to have a bright future on the effort.
Michelle Payne, who rode Lady Buccaneer to second place in the first event, went one better in the second race, winning on Wicca Wedding ($8.60).
As light rain started to fall on the Pakenham course, Payne swept past Cranbourne horse Jugah’s Jewel and early leader Gold Play to claim the major prize.
It was a welltimed ride from Payne, who said she did not think the horse would accelerate as well as he did.
“I didn’t think he would be that handy.
“There is no use going forward early and letting up at Pakenham, so I just waited for the run,” Payne said.
The track was rated a good (rating three) and the rail was out three metres for the entire course.