Defeat never an option

A wide barrier worked out perfectly at Flemington for Not An Option, who duly returned to winning ways.

The Not A Single Doubt five-year-old had little luck from an inside gate when sixth last time out in the G3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap, but this time around he enjoyed clear air to power to victory over 1400 metres.

The Michael Moroney-trained Not An Option raced three wide with cover before striding to the front 250 metres from home to put his rivals to the sword for the fifth win of his career, which includes success in last season’s Listed Hareeba Stakes.

“He has needed a bit of luck and for things to his way, he’s a really good horse,” Moroney said.

“It was a lovely ride and it looked game over to me on the turn and I thought he ran the 1400 metres out really well.”

Moroney said next month’s G3 Victoria Handicap at Caulfield looked a likely next target.

Sporting our colours, Not A Single Option was ridden by Patrick Moloney who has long held the gelding in high regard.

“I’ve got a lot of time for this horse, he’s highly talented but he can be a bit of a thinker,” he said.

“He travelled beautifully and let go like the horse I’ve always thought he was.”