MOONLIGHT GAMBLER made the notoriously difficult leap from maiden to class 1 grade with an odds-defying win at Kembla Grange on Tuesday.
The Joe Pride-trained galloper blew from an opening quote of $3.60 out to $11 but made a lie of the alarming drift to win the 1000m dash by three-quarters of a length.
It was a relatively painless watch too, as Jay Ford had the gelding stalking the leading pair while the heavily backed favourite was travelling some two lengths behind us in fourth.
Once the field of six straightened for home, MOONLIGHT GAMBLER launched his challenge and gradually got the better of LADY ZODIAC despite shifting out over the concluding stages.
The drifter, Moonlight Gambler takes out the third at Kembla! đź‘Ź pic.twitter.com/E6zVMGVKbX
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 15, 2025
Back-to-back wins is a long way from the litany of setbacks MOONLIGHT GAMBLER endured earlier in his career which didn’t see him debut until his 4yo season.
However, it now appears the gelding is well on his way to better things – a just reward for his ownership group’s patience!
“I’m very proud of this horse. To win consecutive races, and win them with a bit of authority, would suggest he’s going to win more for us,” Joe said in his post-race report.
“I think now is a good time to give him three weeks off which will give him a chance to rejuvenate.
“Given we’ve had a few feet issues with him recently, it will also be very beneficial to give them time to rest.
“But he’s a horse that’s very much on the right track now and there will be some nice races for him by the time he comes back.”
A $110,000 yearling from Kenmore Lodge’s draft at the 2022 Inglis Classic Sale, MOONLIGHT GAMBLER chalked up Proven Thoroughbreds 40th winner for season 2024-25.
Our other runner at the meeting, the Kerry Parker-trained ELIVINA, put in an encouraging third placing over 1400m on debut.
