Dissident takes power in Orr
Having slightly disappointed connections when finishing a first-up third in the G2 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley in January behind Mourinho (Aus) (Oratorio {Ire}), returning from a three-month ban for bleeding in the G1 Caulfield S. back in October, 4-year-old Dissident (Aus) (Sebring {Aus} x Diana’s Secret {Aus}, by Anabaa {USA}), started a clear favorite in the G1 C.F. Orr S. (1400m) at Caulfield and proved triumphant, recording his fourth win at the elite level.
Jumping away well from the gates, jockey Ben Melham allowed the hot stallion prospect to settle in fourth position behind race leader Entirely Platinum (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) who was racing first-up. As the home turn approached, and the light-weight 3-year-old Java (Aus) (Medaglia d’Oro {(USA}) started to roll along and skip clear, Dissident pulled out from the pack to make his run. Wobbling slightly around the turn, it took a few strides for the Peter Moody-trained galloper to get back on the right leg, and once he did, he chased down Godolphin’s Java and the race leader Entirely Platinum to take the win. Getting home hard for third, just in front of Java was last start winner Mourinho.
The first four around the home turn were in fact the first four across the line with Spillway (GB) (Rail Link {GB}) and Happy Trails (Aus) (Good Journey) both working home very well late, indicating a step up from the 1400 meters will be well in their favor.
Winning the race by one and a half lengths in a time of 1:23.38, the victory had Moody indicating that the G1 Futurity S. over course and distance was next on the cards, with races like the G1 George Ryder S. (1500m) and the G1 Doncaster H. (1600m) well within the grasp of Dissident. Dissident’s triumph presented Moody with a fifth Orr victory in the last six years. However, the three-time champion trainer hadn’t scored at the highest level since last October, when the same horse won the G1 Makybe Diva S., and recently found himself at the heart of the cobalt scandal, being one of three Victorian trainers under investigation for horses returning elevated levels of the mineral.
“It’s good to see him bounce back from the Valley [when third in the Australia Stakes],” the conditioner said. “Over seven furlongs to a mile he is almost unbeatable, certainly under these conditions.” Commenting on future aims for the 4-year-old, Moody said, “He’s going to make a wonderful stallion. He’s made his value and I’ve got to respect the people who have invested a lot of money in him. It’s not a matter of protecting him, it’s a matter of not running him in races he’s not suited. As long as the tracks stay dry you will see him. He’s not at his best on soft ground.”
Bred by Widden Stud, Dissident was a A$210,000 purchase by Peter Moody at the 2012 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale. He is by the 2008 Golden Slipper winner and Widden Stud resident Sebring (Aus) (More Than Ready), whose stud career has been off to a flying start. He was Australia’s leading second-season sire and covered 192 mares last year at the increased fee of $60,000, including champion sprinter Black Caviar (Aus).
Dissident raced for Peter Moody and the One For The Boys syndicate until a stud deal was concluded late last year. The 4-year-old now carries the colors of the China Horse Club and is owned by a partnership involving such powerful operations as Newgate Farm, Segenhoe Thoroughbreds, Laurel Oak and Kia-Ora Stud. He will eventually retire to Newgate Farm in New South Wales.
“It is great to be in partnership with the China Horse Club in a horse as good as Dissident,” said Newgate Farm manager Henry Field. “He is a fantastic racehorse and a tremendous stallion prospect. Today was exceptional, it really was.” “I will be heading up to Singapore in a few days time for the CECF Singapore Cup and look forward to catching up with the China Horse Club team and celebrating,” Field added. Dissident is the fourth individual G1 winner for the China Horse Club, which only began racing horses in April 2013.