1 Jan 2024Durable performer Not An Option was back in the winning groove at Flemington where he triumphed in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes.
The six-year-old posted his third victory on the course when he produced a brave performance to claim top honours in the feature 1400 metre event for trainer Michael Moroney and rider Michael Dee.
“He’s a very honest horse and has been racing well and it’s great to get another win for the connections,” stable representative Glen Thompson said.
“It was a good ride by Mick Dee who got him into a good spot and gave him every chance and he was very strong late, it’s onwards and upwards from here.”
Not An Option was quickly into stride to settle fourth off the fence and finished determinedly in the closing 150 metres to gain the upper hand.
“My horse showed a real will to win to get his head in front on the line,” Dee said.
Not An Option was a $240,000 Karaka purchase and we joined the ownership group after Not An Option claimed winning the G2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes from Tony Pike’s stable before he subsequently joined Moroney’s Melbourne operation.
His seven wins also includes the Listed Hareeba Stakes and has multiple Group placings for stake earnings of more than A$635,000.