MOORING IS UP TO THE CHALLENGE!

Bel Esprit ‘flyer’, Mooring is the toast of Singapore following his emphatic victory in the S$250,000 3YO Challenge-G3 at Kranji tonight (Saturday).

And the win has only served to enhance what has already been Bel Esprit’s best season to date, with Mooring becoming stakeswinner No. 6 for the Champion Victorian Sire.

Drawing barrier four and sitting just off the pace, Mooring peeled off the fence turning for home and from that point on, the result was never in doubt.

This was the second Group victory for Michael Freedman and, according to the Singapore Turf Club’s correspondent Michael Lee, Mooring is one of the most exciting prospects in the country.

“He’s come a long way. I’m very pleased with the way he is settling, and depending how he pulls up, we may have a crack at the second leg (of the Challenge Series, over 1400m on 26 June).

Freedman has always held a high opinion of the gelding despite his highly-strung temperament, and knew he had something out of the box after his fast-finishing second to Dream Lad over 1200m last time out.

“That was the run that gave me some confidence he would be up to today’s class. He was luckless in that race as I think he races handy better.

“Danny (Beasley) has ridden him in most of his races and barrier trials and they have established a great rapport. He gave him every opportunity in the race and produced him at the right time.”

Beasley has now partnered Mooring to three of his four victories, and was in awe at the way the galloper has improved by leaps and bounds.

“He (Mooring) has always been one of the better three-year-olds here, but I have to say when Rocket Man was not in the line-up, that’s when I told Michael he should win.”

Mooring has now raced six times in Singapore for four wins and a second and has banked over a quarter million.

Owned by the Mummify Stable, named in honour of the 5-time Group One winner who won the 2005 Singapore International Cup, the syndicate was represented by John O’Neill who was on hand to accept the trophy with Freedman.

Mooring was purchased at the 2007 Gold Coast Magic Millions by Slade Bloodstock and is living right up to his family’s reputation.

Bred by Ariel Arnott, Mooring is out of the stakeswinning At Talaq mare, Drop Anchor, who has produced five winners from six to race, including Mooring’s full sister, Bel Mer (2009 Robert Sangster Stakes-G1).

Last year a Danbird half sister was sold to Robbie Griffiths for $250,000 – and, although unraced, is showing considerable promise – while a full sister to Bel Mer and Mooring was knocked down to Patinack Farm for $260,000 at the 2009 Gold Coast Magic Millions.

Eliza Park’s Asian representative, Lyle Plumb, said Mooring’s reception was sensational.

“They love the horse, but it’s also encouraging to note that both Eliza Park and Bel Esprit are getting plenty of media recognition,” Lyle enthused.

“(On Course commentator) Michael Maxworthy gave Bel Esprit a huge wrap after Mooring’s win and, as Eliza Park is the only Australian stud represented up here, the press is very favourable.

“It certainly didn’t hurt when Newfoundluck – bred by Eliza Park – came out and won the next race on the program.”

Trained by a great Eliza Park supporter in Dr Yeoh Kheng Chye, this was Newfoundluck’s second win from nine outings, but the 3YO has also run three seconds, two thirds and a fourth since January.

For a video reply of the 3YO Challenge, click here.

Danny Beasley boots home Mooring to win the S$250,000 3YO Challenge at Kranji, while below, Michael Freeman (left) and John O'Neill accept the winners' trophy from Singapore Turf Club committeeman Harry Elias (centre).

Our many thanks to the Singapore Turf Club for the use of the photos and video.