Treasurethe Moment eyes a Group 1 showdown in Sydney after trainer Matt Laurie guided the mare back to peak condition at Caulfield.
The achievement on Saturday in the Sunline Stakes (1600m) was her maiden win following the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in the prior spring campaign.
Treasurethe Moment’s autumn return saw her fill third in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last month, sparking debate among racing followers regarding her prospects.
A number of punters were dismayed by the $1.90 favourite’s showing, yet Laurie remained unfazed as the mare was compelled to set the pace.
On Saturday, allowing Astral Flame to show the way suited Treasurethe Moment ideally, as she ranged alongside nearing the 200m mark en route to a powerful score.
Daniel Stackhouse partnered the $1.55 elect Treasurethe Moment to a two-length margin over Astral Flame ($21), Suntora ($31) filling third a further three-quarters away.
Saturday carried some tension for Laurie, though Treasurethe Moment fulfilled expectations.
"I’ve been happy with her whole career," Laurie said.
"Her first-up run was fantastic without winning and this was a step down in grade to what she had been competing against.
"It’s lovely to see her go about it in that fashion and for the lead in to her next start, it looked ideal."
Laurie utilised a Caulfield gallop last Saturday for Treasurethe Moment with great success.
"It had been a number of weeks since she last ran, so she needed a trip away," Laurie said.
"I’m glad we did it. She was on her toes and having a good sweat last weekend.
"She was much quieter today, more relaxed, and it certainly served its purpose.
"Well done to Daniel, he was cool, calm and collected and got the job done for us."
Possible next steps for Treasurethe Moment are the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap and Group 1 Queen of The Turf Stakes, 1600m events at Randwick April 4 and 11, Queen Of The Turf the favourite.
"That will be a discussion with the owners, but I think a three-week gap to her next run would be ideal," Laurie said.
"I think with the trip up there, it gives her time to settle in.
"The Doncaster is going to be a pretty strong race. Sheza Alibi goes there, Autumn Glow, I presume, so that might be the right way for us to go."
Head to premier racing betting markets to back Treasurethe Moment at the best available prices for her Sydney assignments.
