With three runners at The Valley for All Star Mile day last Saturday, good things were bound to happen. Vongole, the Valley specialist with one victory and a narrow second over his last 2 starts at the track, Blood Oath running third there 2 starts prior, and Hello Broadcast coming off a freshen up, all were ready to give it their best.
(Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos)
On the turn, jockey Carleen Hefel had stoked Vongole up and began roaring around the outside ready to swoop, Alana Kelly taking the short rails run on Blood Oath, and Logan McNeil in with the pack on Hello Broadcast, we were hopeful! Alana and Blood Oath led most of the straight until a charging Carleen and Vongole overtook them in the last 100m, and Hello Broadcast ran on gamely for fifth. First, a brave third and fifth for the stable.
Please find commentary below from Racing And Sports –
On watching a race in which he had 3 runners “It was difficult. I haven’t really seen Hello Broadcast, I’m not sure where he finished, I hope he hit the line, but I really cheered on Blood Oath most of the way and then I could see at the 500 that Vongole was getting on his bike.
On Vongole winning: “He just excels at this track and he freshened up really nice, so it was pleasing.”
“I had a runner in the All-Star Mile last year, I’m here on the same day but in the reserves, but that’s OK.”
On Blood Oath’s run: “Fantastic. He’s a lovely horse, he tries really hard, he’s going to be well-found as a Garrowen show horse.
“He likes the track, it’s been well-prepared and he’s only just got beaten, hasn’t he?”
Winning Jockey: Carleen Hefel
On Vongole’s liking for Moonee Valley: “He really loves it here. Being a backmarker you wouldn’t think it’d be his track, but he’s just got it worked out and as soon he corners for home he lets go with a really good turn of foot.”
On her thoughts going into the race given the windy conditions: “I was a bit worried today. Obviously the first horse led and won, but with the wind, I thought the main thing today was it would be nice to get a bit of cover down the side and have something tow you in. It shows that the track’s pretty fair today.”
(Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)