In what shaped as a vintage edition of the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes, the Matt Laurie-trained four-year-old mare Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) made an elite field look second-rate as she bounded away for a dominant 2.5l win.
Drama struck before the start when Tom Kitten (Harry Angel {IRE}) became fractious in the barriers and was subsequently scratched. When the field eventually jumped, Treasurethe Moment began cleanly from her inside draw. Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking) and Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) were both prominent early, while Pinstriped (Street Boss {USA}) surged forward from a wide gate to set a strong tempo.
As the field approached the turn, it was clear Damian Lane had a lapful of horse beneath him. Although briefly pocketed, Treasurethe Moment was quickly extracted into clear running. Once she saw daylight, the Yulong Investments-owned mare exploded through the gap, putting the race to bed in a matter of strides to claim her fourth Group 1 – and crucially, her first at weight-for-age level.
Mr Brightside again showed his trademark consistency to finish second, with Buckaroo (GB) (Fastnet Rock) flying home for third after settling well back. Fangirl (Sebring) was sound in fourth.
Trainer Matt Laurie was surprised by the margin, considering the strength of the race:
“One of the best Memsie fields we’ve seen in some time. I wasn’t expecting to be coming here and winning, but she had come up very well, and to win in such fashion, is pretty incredible.”
On his thoughts mid-race, Laurie continued:
“I was very happy. There was good pace. She was able to ease across the speed. You just knew coming to the turn, if she got the breaks, that she would burst through. I have never seen a horse travel that well around the bend and quicken up like she did. It was fantastic to watch, I look forward to hearing what Damian has to say. To come back from winning two Oaks, and come back against a field like this over seven furlongs, it’s mind blowing.”
When asked about her path going forward:
“The plan has always been to go to the Makybe Diva second-up into the Turnbull, and then it’s a matter of deciding which way – the Cox Plate or the Caulfield Cup. That’s a discussion to have with the connections. They’ve obviously got a lot of high-class horses and obviously don’t want to meet. On that run, 2000 metres at The Valley, she’d have to be some chance.”
Winning jockey Damian Lane was full of praise after the brilliant performance:
“She was great. She’s come back in really good order. You’re never really sure. Trackwork, jump-outs, they’re a different kind of pressure, but she’s jumping up to the big boys and girls now.
Treasurethe Moment is the third and sadly the last foal out of Draconic Treasure (USA) (Street Cry {IRE}). She was a winner in America, and her two foals to race have both been winners.
Treasurethe Moment’s grandam Hazy Glow (IRE) (Invincible Spirit {IRE}), was a winner as a juvenile in Ireland and is very well-related being a half-sister to Rich Tapestry (IRE) (Holy Roman Emperor {IRE}), who was an eight-time winner including at Group 1 level in America.
Further back in the family is the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle (USA) (Theatrical {IRE}) and the four-time Group 1 winner and successful sire Refuse To Bend (IRE).
Written for TTRAusNZ
