Trainer Mike Moroney has a healthy opinion of Tasman Park (NZ) (Ocean Park) who kept his record intact with a stylish win at Sandown.
But the Flemington-based horseman won’t be rushing Tasman Park to higher company in the short-term after his win in the Thoroughbred Club Australia Handicap (1300m) on Wednesday, preferring to race him through his grades.
A debut winner at Bendigo last month, Moroney chose Wednesday’s Class 1 event on another roomy circuit for Tasman Park’s second outing.
Sent out the $2.10 favourite under Jamie Mott, Tasman Park led home Obsfuscation ($4.20) by three-quarters-of-a-length with Veloce Carro ($6.50) a half-length away third.
Moroney was again impressed by the son of Ocean Park but added the gelding still needed to get his race manners sorted out.
“I think he got to the front and did a little bit wrong, getting his head to one side and then the other,” Moroney said.
“I think in the last five strides Jamie was a little bit light on him also. He heard the other horse coming and he did pick up.
“So, he’s got all the right attributes, it’s just a bit of practise now.
“They can go through their grades quite quickly, but he’s got to learn a bit on the way through, hopefully.”
Moroney said while Tasman Park remains in good order, he would consider another start before a break.
Mott, who teamed with Moroney to win the Group 1 Champions Sprint with Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ) (Per Incanto) during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, said Tasman Park has the feel of a horse with quality.
“He gave me a great feel at his first run, but the form from that race hasn’t stacked up, which makes you wonder,” Mott said.
“But he ran nice time doing it and he’s backed it up today and looks to have a bright future.”
