All Too Hard first-starter Elkington Road confirmed the first impressions of trainer Mike Moroney when he bolted in at Sandown on Wednesday.

The field for the Ladbrokes Plate (1200m) fell away from 13 starters to just five after the track was rated a Heavy 10, however, the winner wasn’t counting the beaten division while giving them a bath on the Lakeside circuit.

“What’s not to like?  He’s a cracking colt,” Moroney said after buying Elkington Road for $240,000 at the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.  “We trained his dam and we’re also looking forward to racing him.”

Moroney wasn’t at Sandown but spokesman Glen Thompson said the stable knew Elkington Road had the ability to score on debut.  “Mike was confident and he will sit down and work out a plan going forward.  All they can do is win and it’s a good time of year to have a 3yo with his upside.”

Elkington Road (3g All Too Hard – Sherbet Bomb by Snitzel) is part-owned and managed by Moroney’s Ballymore Stable in a syndicate that includes Rupert Legh Racing.  His dam has also foaled Sydney winner Switched (All Too Hard) and NZ Group 3 performer Rocket Fuel (Smart Missile).

“Although it was a small field, he was very impressive,” jockey Jamie Mott added.  “He’s still raw but has a good turn of foot.  He began a little too quickly and wanted to half run through the bridle.

“They didn’t run along at hectic speed but I let them go and got him into a rhythm.  Coming into the straight, everything was under pressure but I was cantering!”

All Too Hard is firmly established as an Australian Top 10 stallion for winners and he’s made another superb start with Elkington Road his 22nd individual winner in the first month of this season.

The Vinery champion is sitting in fourth place behind Written Tycoon (30), I Am Invincible (24) and Snitzel (24) and he’s giving them a start of six, three and seven crops respectively.

All Too Hard is arguably the best value for money sire in the Hunter Valley at a $38,500 (inc GST) fee.  For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).