MOSSMAN son Neeson relished a return to racing back at his pet distance with a convincing win in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) on today’s Super Saturday card at Royal Randwick.
The Joe Pride trained gelding showed remarkable dash to spear away from his rivals and claim today’s sprint feature by a widening 2.5-lens to record his first win since taking out the Group 3 Tramway Handicap (1400m) over a year ago.
He’s back,” Pride said.
“It’s just a relief. I’ve been way too outspoken with this horse, he’s like my second son.
“I’m just so happy to see him get over the line today. I said after he got beat the other day that I’d never fall in love with another horse, you can get a bit close to them, but I’m just happy to see him today do what he shows me at home.
“I’ve said a lot of times I think he’s the best athlete I’ve ever trained but he’s not the best racehorse. But hopefully we can make it into that next category now.”
Neeson has won 8 times in 22 starts and amassed over $630,000 in earnings.
He is one 16 stakes winners for his sire and among 205 individual winners (from 334 starters) giving Mossman an enviable 61.4 percent winners to runners ratio.
Finishing third behind Neeson in today’s Premiere Stakes was Love Conquers All (by Mossman – She’s A Meanie) who started $1.90 favourite on the strength of his win in the Group 2 The Shorts (1200m) a fortnight ago measured in a slick 1:8.7 seconds.
