Melbourne – The Peter Moody stable was in hot form at Moonee Valley on Saturday and one of their more promising winners was three year-old Ad Valorem (USA) filly Meliora, a homebred for well-known owner breeder Mrs Yvonne Smith.
Having her second run back from a spell, Meliora jumped well and surged forward to lead, dominating the field and kicking away in the straight to win the 1200 metre event by nearly two lengths.
“She was the run of the race at Caulfield at her first run back and just ran out of condition, but she’s come right on since then,” said winning rider Luke Nolen.
“She’s open to further improvement and can win better races.”
Meliora has the overall record of three wins and a second from seven starts with prizemoney topping $80,000.
Foaled and raised at Yarraman Park for Mrs Smith, Meliora is a half-sister to smart Sydney metropolitan winners Daintree Road and Suki and is the third winner from three foals to race from Sunset Boulevard, who was raced by Mrs Smith and retained for stud duties.
Mrs Smith has enjoyed much success over the years as an owner through horses such as Assertive Lad and Arlington Road, her breeding interests now also reaping rewards.
Sunset Boulevard has a two year-old filly by Choisir called Endless Summer that is in work with Gai Waterhouse and produced a colt by promising young sire I Am Invincible at Yarraman Park back in August.
