Stone Warrior has been consistent, if not a little frustrating since his first up win at Bendigo in November. Inside draws and a lack of luck conspired to see the son of Shamoline Warrior confined to the minor placing’s at his previous four starts heading into Saturday’s 1800M contest at Morphettville.
Trainer’s, Lee and Anthony Freedman, were confident they’d found a suitable race and for jockey, Daniel Moor, the challenge was to ensure the 4YO gelding had clear room to wind up in the straight.
The plan went off without a hitch. Moor lobbed Stone Warrior into a perfect trailing position three pairs back and extricated him to the outside before the home bend to make his run. Deep into his campaign and most likely searching for further, Stone Warrior took a while to wind up and reel in his rivals but he was strong on the line in recording a half-length victory.
Moor said after the race that Stone Warrior would be better in time and his best distances would eventually be significantly further than the 1800M on Saturday. Tactically, the gelding showed he was able to hold a position closer to the speed on Saturday and this ability to put himself in the early picture will be hugely advantageous as the distances increase.
Saturday’s win was a deserved reward for connections, trainer and the horse and the future looks bright for Stone Warrior.