Morning Darling posted his third win this campaign with an impressive last-to-first performance at Ballarat on Tuesday.
The five-year-old won his maiden first-up at Bendigo, three starts later scored at Ararat and bounced off a last start unlucky fourth at Ballarat to win with ease the Hygain Winners Choice BM64 Hcp (1200m) on the synthetic track.
Jockey John Allen rode Morning Darling confidently despite suffering interference at the start and being tailed off two lengths last passing the 500m.
“He’s a big powerful horse and was always travelling well,” John said.
“He got up behind them on the home turn and it was just a matter of getting a bit of room.”
In the home straight, the accomplished jockey searched for runs with Morning Darling ($2.90 fav) dashing through a gap between Cosmic Rhapsody ($7) and Ruminate ($6.50), who hit the front passing the 150 metres.
Under hands and heels riding, Morning Darling surged to the lead and could have won by more than the half-length official margin.
“He’s been a very consistent horse who has kept improving this campaign,” trainer Vincent Malady.
“He’s got a terrific attitude and is so honest every time he goes to the races.”
Since joining the Malady stable last preparation, Morning Darling has finished no worse than fourth in his 12 runs.
This preparation he has won three of his six starts. He was also a three-quarter length second at Geelong and fourth twice, beaten no more than 1-1/2 lengths.
“He took a while to win his maiden but is working nicely through his grades now,” Vincent said.
The son of Love Conquers All is among a handy group of horses owned by John and Helen McPhee, and is the first foal from dual-city winner Native Land.