Moment Of Change Leads Way in C. F. Orr

Description: 
Pacesetter Moment Of Change found more in the closing strides to repel a strong threat from Eurozone, winning the Sportingbet C. F. Orr Stakes (Aus-I) by a head Feb. 8 at Caulfield Racecourse.
 
W. S. Cox Plate (AUs-I) victor Shamus Award ran with the winner, who set a hot tempo, before Eurozone made a late rush to challenge in the straight and sprinted up to take second. Shamus Award, making his first start since winning the Cox Plate Oct. 26, held on for third another 1 1/2 lengths back in the six-horse field.
 
Cutting back in distance after lackluster efforts in the Melbourne Cup (Aus-I), group I winners Foreteller and Hawkspur finished fourth and sixth.
 
Moment Of Change was timed in 1:23 flat under Luke Nolen while snapping a 10-race winless streak and adding a second group I triumph to his resume.
 
The bay gelding most recently finished second for trainer Peter Moody to Richie's Vibe in the Australia Stakes (Aus-II) Jan. 24 at Moonee Valley. That placing followed two runner-up finishes and a fourth to Buffering in group I races in October and November. The C. F. Orr marked his first victory since capturing the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (Aus-I) in September 2012.
 
Overall, the 5-year-old Barely a Moment gelding has 6-5-4 career line from 20 career starts. His record also includes three seconds and a third in four other group I races, including the 2013 Lexus Newmarket Handicap. 
 
Nolen and Moody have now won the three of the past four editions of the C. F. Orr. Black Caviar was victorious in 2012 and Typhoon Tracy struck in 2011.
 
"He carved out a good gallop," Moody, who trains Moment Of Change for a partnership, told www.horseracing.com.au about Moment Of Change. "He's been a fraction behind all prep, but we were confident enough that he was forward enough today.
 
"I think there is nice improvement in him and he will come back for the Futurity (Aus-I, also at 1,400 meters Feb. 22 at Caulfield)." 
 
Sovereign Stud bred Moment of Change in Australia out of the Metal Storm mare Europium. He is the top performer for multiple Australian group I winner Barely a Moment, a 12-year-old son of Gilded Time who stands at Cornerstone Stud in South Australia.