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...
Sires With Winners - Friday June 27
Here is the full list of 48 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
$190,000 Per Incanto Colt Heads Vibrant Weanling Sale
The  2025 National Weanling Sale saw its first dual-code weanling session in play at Karaka, with a total aggregate of $2,410,000 outlaid across 84 lots by a strong domestic buying bench plus international support from Australia, Hong Kong and China.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Randwick
Trial action was at Randwick on Friday and there were six heats for juveniles that included some interesting unraced youngsters highlighted by the full brother to a promising young sire, a well bred son of Farnan and an Extreme Choice filly.
Promising 2YOs for Pike
Tony Pike found it difficult to split his juvenile charges the last time they took each other on and it’s the same story at Ruakaka.
Red Right Out Wins MM Queensland Qualifier
The 2026 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping will feature the third annual Queensland Off-The-Track Cup (QOTT) final on Sunday, 11 January 2026 at Doug Jennings Park on the Gold Coast. 
Cambridge Stud to Sell Entire Draft at Karaka 2026
Leading thoroughbred nursery Cambridge Stud have committed their full support for NZB’s 2026 National Yearling Sales Series, with the announcement they will be selling 100% of their yearling stock at Karaka. 
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 Tatts Tiara
With Royal Ascot done and dusted for another year, let's turn our attention to the final G1 of the Australian racing season as some very expensive mares seek to land that elusive G1 and three runners will carry the Yulong colours!
Vinery Stud Announce Adam White as Interim Manager
From the 1st of July, Vinery Stud is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam White as Interim General Manager, following the resignation of Peter Orton. A dedicated and long-standing member of the Vinery team, Adam brings a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of both the business and the industry to this pivotal role.
First Winner for Australian Derby Winner Levendi
Blueblood Pierro colt Levendi won the Group I ATC Australian Derby for the Gelagotis stable back in 2018 and is now on the board as a sire having produced his first winner on Friday.
National Online Breeding Stock Sale online now
The National Online Breeding Stock Sale has launched on Gavelhouse Plus with bidding open on the 87 Lots sale which is set to end from 7pm on Wednesday 9th July.