Old campaigner Sea Of Tranquility made trainer Stephen Gray a very happy man after he racked up his ninth win in the $35,000 Class 5 Janice O’Connor Stakes on Saturday.
After racing handy for most of the 1700m journey, the Istidaad eight-year-old dug deep for Joao Moreira inside the last furlong to defeat longshot Eighth Avenue (Alan Ng), with Sean (Olivier Placais) third another length away.
Jockey Joao Moreira, trainer Stephen Gray and Gary Crispe (second from right)
proudly show off their silverware. Also in the photo is Janice O'Connor after
which the race was named.
“He’s a grand old horse. I’m so stoked with that win,” said Gray.
“He always goes out there to try his best. He had a lovely draw (1) today and he hit the line very well.”
Gray said he was glad for the owner Paul Hickman of St George Stable, a long-time supporter of his, who was represented at the prize giving presentation by Australian racing website Chief Executive Officer Gary Crispe.
Moreira continues his rich vein of form, tallying up a double for the day having earlier scored aboard Drunken Hero for Leslie Khoo in Race 1. He later went on to wrap up the day's proceedings with a treble courtesy of $13 favourite Zac Velocity in the last race, the $55,000 Class 4 Division 2 race over 1600m.
“Can’t complain. I’m getting good rides and my confidence is up,” said Moreira.
“Most importantly, it’s thanks to the trainers’ support I’m getting on good horses. Thanks to Mr Gray for putting me on this one (Sea Of Tranquility).
“He was always in a good spot in the running and he gave a very nice kick in the end.”
Sea Of Tranquility, who clocked 1min 47.26secs for the 1700m on the Polytrack, returned a win dividend of $16 and has now amassed more than $270,000 in prizemoney.
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