All Too Hard 3yo Elkington Road reprised some of his sire’s drive and determination at a Flemington meeting that wasn’t for the faint-hearted on Sunday.

Elkington Road had coasted home on debut at Sandown last month but he had to dig deep to remain unbeaten in the TCL TV Hcp (1420m).  Hitting the lead in the straight with Desert Star (Deep Field), he kept finding to win their duel on a Heavy 10 at Headquarters.

“When Jamie (Mott) went for home, he pulled a length clear but was a bit casual and had to lift again,” trainer Mike Moroney said.  “I thought the other one got the bob but my bloke was good enough to tough it out.  He’s still new and it’s a pity they didn’t race on a true surface to get a better guide.”

All Too Hard claimed the first of his four Group 1 victories in the 2012 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and he came close as a sire when Alligator Blood was nosed out by Super Seth in 2019.  Bookmakers have firmed Elkington Road into $25 for this year’s edition and Moroney gives his charge a chance of emulating the Vinery champion on October 8.  “He’s in the right order to be considered for a race like the Caulfield Guineas and we will be guided by what Jamie has to say and how he pulls up.”

Mott rode his first Group 1 winner on Callsign Mav in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday and he’s all for another challenge at that level with Elkington Road.  “He has great qualities and will learn plenty from that win.  He did it so easy first-up but it was a different situation today.  It was a ding-dong battle and he responded when I asked him to fight back.”

Elkington Road was bred by Roger Sousa (Platinum Breeding & Racing) in partnership with Sam Connors (SWC Bloodstock) and cost $240,000 at the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for a syndicate that includes Moroney’s Ballymore Stables and Rupert Legh Racing.

His dam Sherbet Bomb (Snitzel) has also foaled Sydney winner Switched (All Too Hard) and NZ Group 3 performer Rocket Fuel (Smart Missile).  There’s stamina further back in the pedigree through second-dam Lady Annaliese (Groom Dancer) who is a close relation of Group 2 Wellington Cup winner Graphic (Volksraad).

All Too Hard stands at Vinery for a $38,500 (inc GST) service fee.  For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).