Mossman's White Moss Too Strong in Sapphire Stakes

Mark Smith - Saturday April 13

The near white White Moss emerged from the gloom under Kathy O'Hara to claim Saturday's Group II Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.

The Jason Coyle-trained daughter of Mossman was third in the race 12 months ago but she made no mistake here, defeating Irithea (Snitzel) by three-quarters of a length with Winter Bride (Not A Single Doubt) the same distance back in third. (images Steve Hart)

Advertisement


The winner of the Group III ATC The Nivison in 2017 and Group II Millie Fox Stakes on February 23, White Moss advances her record to 7 wins, 1 second and 1 third from 17 starts with earnings of $532,645.

"She's a quality mare. She was fit, she was coming back from a longer trip which obviously helped in a truly run 1200m," Coyle said.

"Full credit to the owners for steering her away from the Coolmore (Legacy) and into this race.

"We'll seriously consider going to Hawkesbury depending on how she pulls up. She hasn't travelled well but I'd love to get her up to Queensland and give her another crack up there."

Kathy O'Hara noted that this has been the most successful campaign for the 5yo mare.

"Full credit goes to Jason and Tartan Fields for finding this race for her," O'Hara said.

"She has come out on top and has had two Group II victories this prep. She's not far off the top grade so hopefully, she can get there soon.

"She is a natural free-roller this mare. I know she is fit. She is coming back from a 1500m run last start. I just wanted to make it a genuine gallop. The leader [Quilista] was making it a genuine gallop and I didn't want to let her get too far away from me."

 A homebred for Michele Esplin and her children Hamish, Patrick and Elise, White Moss is out of the Group II winning dam Pay My Bail who was a $240,000 buy for the late Phillip Esplin at the 2007 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

A half-sister to Listed winner White Sage (Reset), White Moss is one of six winners out of Pay My Bail who died in February 2017 after being covered by Dundeel the previous spring.

The Esplin's still own White Sage, who has a 2yo filly by Charge Forward a yearling filly by More Than Ready (USA) and a filly foal by Animal Kingdom (USA). She was covered last year by Ribchester (IRE).

Advertisment
More Reading...
Jenni Lets Loose At The Valley
Smart staying mare Jennivamoose recorded her third victory at The Valley when winning the Simpson Construction Handicap (2500m) in similar fashion to her previous victory at the venue.
Sterling Express Wins G2 Foxbridge Plate
Sterling Express stepped up to Group level for the first time in Saturday’s Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa, and a stunning last-to-first performance showed that he belongs.
White Moss Gathers Momentum for Mossman
Mossman mare White Moss can add another notch to Vinery's winning record in the Coolmore Classic Group I following her return to form at Rosehill on Saturday.
Wuddzz Caps Fine 24 Hours For Dwyer
Handy stayer Wuddzz came with a well-timed run under Tim Clark to land the Gold Coast Turf Club Trophy (2400m) at Randwick.
Unbeaten Run Continues For Autumn Glow
Resuming off the back of two solid barrier trials efforts, Chris Waller’s Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) stepped up to open company for the first time, with the $1.8m yearling purchase extending her unbeaten run to five with victory in the Group 3 ATC Toy Show Quality (1100m) at Randwick.
First Black Type Victory For Nellie Leylax (IRE)
Not a bad way to break through for your first Australian victory as the Annabel and Rob Archibald trained Nellie Leylax (IRE) cleared out by more than two lengths to claim the Group 3 ATC Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick.
Mossman's Morvada Too Strong in John Dillon Stakes
It’s been nearly three years since Morvada’s previous stakes win but the 6yo son of Mossman gave nothing else a chance in Saturday’s Listed John Dillon Stakes at Caulfield.
Third Black Type Win For Snitzel’s Lazzura
A member of the Waller team to hold a dual acceptance leading into Saturday’s Randwick meeting, it was the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) where 4yo Snitzel mare Lazzura came out on top, recording her third black type victory.
New Star for Hellbent – Savvy Hallie Wins G2 Silver Shadow
Yarraman Park’s Hellbent has made his name with brilliant Group I winning mares Magic Time and Benedetta with exciting filly Savvy Hallie adding her name his list of stakes-winners with a stylish victory in the Group II ATC Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Winning Return for the Best in Australia - Via Sistina
Set to be crowned Australia’s Horse of the Year for last season, the mighty Fastnet Rock mare Via Sistina (IRE) returned on a rain soaked track at Randwick on Saturday to win the $1million Group I ATC Winx Stakes (1400m).