More Than Ready's More Than Exceed Captures Lyons Stakes

Mark Smith - Sunday February 13

Just two interstate raiders ventured to Hobart for the Listed The Mills Thomas Lyons Stakes (1400m) on Sunday, with the Phillip Stokes-trained More Than Exceed emerging triumphant.

The 6yo son of More Than Ready (USA) was winning for the first time since capturing the Mildura Cup at Swan Hill in July 2020.

More Than Exceed started three times in 2021. He crossed the Tasman following a troubled sixth in the Listed John Dillon Stakes at Caulfield on January 26.

Given a positive ride by Ismail Toker, More Than Exceed hit the front a long way out. He fleetingly looked likely to be swallowed up by the chasing pack but found plenty under pressure in the closing stages.

He hit the line strongly to defeat the 2020 Lyons Stakes winner Mandella Effect (Turffontein) by a long neck, with the favourite Justacanta (Per Incanto) a further three-quarters of a length back in third.

A $260,000 purchase by his trainer from the Newgate Farm draft at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, More Than Exceed advances his record to nine wins, seven seconds and a third from 36 starts with earnings of $475,650.

More Than Exceed a $260,000 Magic Millions yearling

“Ismail called it before the start of the race. He said he would be fourth on the fence as a few would go hard, full credit to him he rode it perfectly,” stable representative Michael Harrison said.

Advertisement

“I thought his run in the John Dillon at Caulfield was exceptional. He was only beaten three lengths, and his sectionals were good, and he did run out the 1400m.

“We stuck with a local jockey as Hobart is such a unique course, and Ismail rides here every week. We went with a local, and it paid off.”

Bred by Raffles Dancers, More Than Exceed is the second foal of the stakes-placed Exceed And Excel mare Exceedingly Regal, who has a troubled breeding history.

Out of a half-sister to Group 1 VATC OneThousand Guineas winner Lady Of The Pines (Bluebird),  Exceedingly Regal did not have a live foal for four seasons before foaling a Flying Artie colt in 2020.

After missing in 2020, the daughter of Exceed And Excel was covered by Ole Kirk last spring.

More Than Exceed becomes the 214th black-type winner worldwide for the former Vinery stalwart More Than Ready (USA).

More Than Ready

Advertisment

Race Result - The Mills Thomas Lyons Stakes LR 1400m

Hobart Track: Good(4) Time: 1:24.79
1
More Than Exceed
- 6g More Than Ready (USA) x Exceedingly Regal (AUS) (Exceed And Excel (AUS))
Tnr: P Stokes Rdr: Ismail Toker 59
More Than Ready
2
0.4
Mandela Effect
- 7g Turffontein (AUS) x Morell (AUS) (West Quest (CAN))
Tnr: Scott Brunton Rdr: Sigrid Carr 59
MM Tasmanian Yearling Sale $80,000
Seller: Motree Thoroughbreds, Waterhouse, Tas
Buyer: Andrew Scanlon
3
1.2
Justacanta
- 8g Per Incanto (USA) x Just Casual (NZ) (Casual Lies (USA))
Tnr: Scott Brunton Rdr: D Pires 59
4
1.3
Lim's Cruiser
- 9g Casino Prince (AUS) x Hope Downs (AUS) (Good Journey (USA))
Tnr: Scott Brunton Rdr: B Mc Coull 59
5
1.5
Shot Of Irish
- 7g Canford Cliffs (IRE) x La Signorina (AUS) (Distorted Humor (USA))
Tnr: Scott Brunton Rdr: Georgie Catania 59
6
1.6
And Beyond
- 5g Wordsmith (AUS) x Privada (AUS) (Delago Brom (AUS))
Tnr: Tanya Hanson Rdr: J Maskiell 59
7
1.7
Swoop Dog
- 4g Husson (ARG) x Swooper (AUS) (Black Hawk (GB))
Tnr: J K Blacker Rdr: Brodie Loy 59
8
2.5
Biometric
- 6g Bated Breath (GB) x Bionic (GB) (Zafonic (USA))
Tnr: Ben & J D Hayes Rdr: B Mc Dougall 59
9
2.6
Balearic
- 7g Smart Missile (AUS) x Operetta Lass (AUS) (Singspiel (IRE))
Tnr: Barry Campbell Rdr: D M Ganderton 59
10
2.7
Brinktop Lad
- 5g Wordsmith (AUS) x Brinktop (AUS) (Savoire Vivre (GB))
Tnr: Scott Brunton Rdr: Tahlia Hope 59
11
2.8
Ethical Dilemma
- 6g Shamus Award (AUS) x Miss Ethics (SAF) (Count Dubois (GB))
Tnr: P H Luttrell Rdr: B Muhcu 59
12
2.9
Blaze Forth
- 9g Court Command (AUS) x Certain Blaze (AUS) (Blazing Saddles (AUS))
Tnr: J K Blacker Rdr: Jarrod Fry 59
13
6.9
Deroche
- 5m Needs Further (AUS) x Buzzing Along (AUS) (Tough Speed (USA))
Tnr: Barry Campbell Rdr: Codi Jordan 57
More Reading...
Golden Rose Colts – Sires of the Future
The $1million Group I ATC Golden Rose (1400m) this Saturday offers the winner far more than prizemoney and assuming it’s a colt he is given a golden ticket to a commercial stud career, so let’s take a look at this year’s contenders, who would you want on your stallion roster in 2026?
Aquis Welcome First foals for Young Gun Officiating
A fast Group winning sprinter by Breeders Cup Classic winner Blame, Officiating (USA) was carefully selected by Aquis Stallions following a global headhunting mission to secure an outcross stallion for Queensland and his first foals are arriving this spring.
Invincible Filly Snares $100,000 Inglis Bonus
The least expensive filly by champion sire I Am Invincible sold at Inglis Easter in 2024, Wear the Crown always looked to have been well bought at $260,000 by Seib/Racing / Champion Thoroughbreds and she set about repaying her purchase price at Goulburn on Thursday.
Sires With Winners - Thursday September 25
Here is the full list of 28 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Horse Trading Stock Issues to Avoid
One of the key areas in thoroughbred taxation is accounting for trading stock and ensuring the tax closing value is properly ascertained. You’d be quite surprised of the enormous difference to the tax position of any racing player where trading stock problems occur.
La Dorada Chasing Redemption at Valley
Last season’s champion NZ two-year-old La Dorada will be out to prove her ability against her Australian counterparts on Friday night when she contests the Gr.3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) at The Valley.
€1.9million Sale-Topping Colt Wins G3 Somerville Stakes
The Group III Somerville Stakes (7f) was run at Newmarket overnight with the Godolphin blue carried by exciting Night of Thunder colt Distant Storm, who they purchased for a sale-topping €1.9million at the Arqana May Breeze Up Sale earlier this year.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Richard Johnston has bred some very good horses under his Bylong Park banner including triple Group I winner Think It Over and an Anders three year-old he bred and races was an eye-catching debut winner at Hawkesbury on Thursday.
Inglis Confirm Skybird for Everest Slot
Inglis is thrilled to confirm G1 winner Skybird (Exosphere) as our representative for the running of the $20m The Everest.
Breeding to Win - 2025 Manikato Stakes
Racing at The Valley on Grand Final Eve in Melbourne - the southern capital doing what it does best, bringing people together in celebration of sporting greatness!