Malaguerra chasing Moir success - unless Everest comes calling

Brad Waters - Monday September 18

The Group I Moir Stakes is the first-up target for dual Group I winner Malaguerra unless a phone call convinces connections to head elsewhere.

Advertisement
Malaguerra is set to return at a Moonee Valley night meeting.

Malaguerra claimed the Group I BTC Cup last May and Darley Classic in the spring but the Peter Gelagotis stable says the son of Magnus has not featured in discussion for The Everest at Randwick next month.

Stable manager Manny Gelagotis said a trial at Cranbourne on Monday had Malaguerra ready for a first-up crack at the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 29 should no Everest discussion arise.

"We didn't have The Everest in mind but if a slot holder was keen on him, he could even be considered for that as well," Gelagotis said.

"At this stage, he'll be going towards the Moir and that's his goal first-up.

"We'd entertain a phone call and it's all about timing so it's a discussion we'd certainly have."

Regular rider Ben Melham was aboard Malaguerra in Monday's 800m trial in which the son of Magnus raced behind the speed before closing easily to finish second to the Mick Price-trained Bassett in 50.22 seconds.

While Melham did not ask Malaguerra for any serious effort in the heavy-track trial, Gelagotis said the gelding lived up to stable expectations.

"He trialled really well as he always does and he's definitely going to the Moir first-up," Gelagotis said.

"There is a bit to play out but he's on schedule and he can go wherever he needs to go really."

Gelagotis was equally pleased with the effort of Group II winner Illustrious Lad, who finished second to the Robbie Griffiths-trained Selenia in the third heat of the morning in 49.11 seconds.

"He might have another trial and then go to the Schillaci (Stakes) first-up," Gelagotis said of Illustrious Lad.

The Schillaci Stakes will be held at Caulfield on October 14.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Bloodstock Auction Rolls into 2026 on a High
Bloodstock Auction rounded out 2025 on a positive note with its final sale on 23rd of December, delivering strong clearance for racehorses. Highlighting the platform’s ability to uncover genuine racing and commercial upside at accessible price points.
Yoyo Yeezy Goes Yes Yes Yes With Three Straight
Highlighted as a ‘One To Watch’ after breaking his maiden back in July, Matt Hoysted’s 4yo Yes Yes Yes gelding Yoyo Yeeyz has continued on with his winning ways, adding a further two wins from as many starts.
Widden Deliver the Magic Experience for Owners
Widden are the second largest vendor at Magic Millions this year and if you are looking to get a slice of the MM incentive race action no farm has produced more winners of these rich races that are contested right around the country.
Blue-Blood Fillies Break the Ice
The first two races at Warwick Farm on Wednesday were both won by three year-old fillies, whose dams were household names.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday January 6
Here is the full list of 35 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sword of State- One That Got Away?
Cambridge Stud’s Sword of State might be the one that got away from Newgate Farm with the Group I winning son Snitzel currently sitting on top of the Australian First Season Sires List.
NZ Derby Hopefuls - Listed Gingernuts Salver runners
With the release this week of nominations for the Gr.1 Trackside NZ Derby, the focus intensifies for stamina signs amongst the three-year-old crop ahead of the March 7 Ellerslie classic and one of these promising up and comers claims Melbourne Cup winner Ethereal as his third dam.
Part 1 Anamoe - A Horse of Consequence
A champion colt that competes at the top of his game for three seasons winning G1 races at two, three and four acquires a legion of fans along the way, so this week we are paying tribute to Anamoe, ahead of his first yearlings being sold next week at Magic Millions.
Twilight Tale Tops Successful Magic Millions Digital Sale
Stakes performed Savabeel mare Twilight Tale topped the Magic Millions Digital Sale (2-7 Jan) today when selling to New Zealand interests for $115,000. 
Sires With Winners - Wednesday January 7
Here is the full list of 38 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.