Moonee Valley back-up chance for Harmony
After breaking through for his first win in more than 18 months, Gallant Harmony could chase a second victory a week later at Moonee Valley.
Gallant Harmony scored an all-the-way victory in the Tonks Plate (1200m) at Ballarat and trainer John Sadler is eyeing a benchmark 84 handicap over the same distance at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Ridden by apprentice Michael Dee, Gallant Harmony used barrier one to his advantage to lead throughout over the Ballarat 1200m course.
Sadler said a start at Moonee Valley would depend on what penalty the handicapper gave Gallant Harmony for his win on Saturday.
“I’m not sure what the handicapper will do with him now but he’s an 81 rater,” Sadler said.
“There’s a benchmark 84 race on Saturday at Moonee Valley that looks suitable and we might have a look at that.
“There’s not always the right races at the right time when you need them, but that’s a very suitable race so we might go there.”
Gallant Harmony hadn’t won since he took out a benchmark 78 1200m-race at at Moonee Valley in February 2015.
He ran second to Weinholt in the corresponding Ballarat race last year before having one more start and a long spell.
“He had quite a break,” Sadler said.
“He was an old sore horse there for quite a while so we gave him a good six months out.
“He ran well first-up but then disappointed me badly at his next start.
“I changed a few things with his work by shortening it up and sharpening it up and I think it’s made the difference.”
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