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The ancient Dolomites mountain group in Italy was the inspiration behind Michael Moroney’s choice of name for the horse which has him aptly hoping to scale the Everest.
The Gr.1 All Aged Stakes winner, Tofane was prepared for his 3YO spring season, under the guidance of Moroney's New Zealand co-trainer Pam Gerard at their Matamata property. Subsequently, the classy daughter of Ocean Park was brought back to Australia for the rest of her prep.
The Michael Moroney-trained sprinter led in her final stride of the AJ Smith Stakes, gunning down the retiring Pierata at the post. The only other mare to have won the T J Smith Stakes has been the iconic Black Caviar who won the race twice.
As the border between the states of New South Wales- home to Sydney - and Victoria - home to Melbourne are closed, Tofane will start his spring campaign in the Melbourne.
“We will start in Melbourne. We believe that she will tell us where we are headed,” said trainer Michael Moroney
"For her to do what she did (in the All Aged Stakes) puts her in the top drawer. She could end up as good a mare as I have trained I think.A bit further we hope that the borders are open by the time she performs later in the year,” Moroney said.
He believes that Tofane is one of the leading contenders for the Everest, the field for which comprises the greatest sprinters in the world.
“She from New Zealand which has a right-handed track and the track at Royal Randwick is also right-handed so I believe she will be very comfortable with the track.”
“She is also very comfortable when starting away from the home stretch which is a big plus," continued Moroney.
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No-one is happier than the Moroney brothers about the typically soft track at Randwick because Tofane enjoy wet tracks as it was proven in the T J Smith.
“But she’s a pretty good mare. I’m thinking she’ll run well and if they do get a lot of rain and it turns into a tough 1200 metres, that will suit her,” said Mike Moroney in an interview elsewhere.
Nothing gets tougher than the best sprinters in the world on a wet track on Everest day.
“We need to see what happens with Covid-19 otherwise we would definitely like to go international. We were hoping to go to Royal ascot next year.”
“We wouldn't be opposed to travelling her. We want to race her in the big money Group One races.”
Bred by Gordon Cunningham who is also our training partner. After she won her first barrier trial we brought her to Australia.
She is a lightly raced mare. She started late and we believe she's got one more one or two good seasons ahead of her.
“Tofaneis from a staying family and wasn't bred to be a sprinter. She is sired by Cox Plate winner Ocean Park while her second dam User Friendly was the 1992 European Horse of the Year, she won four Group One races in a row. His broodmare sire, Galileo was a strong stayer and he produces strong staying horses,” said Moroney of his stable star.
Many connections face troubles with their champions becoming ‘diva-ish’ with time. But Moroney faced other unique troubles with Tofane.
“One of the biggest challenges we had with her was that we had to teach her to relax. She was very aggressive in the beginning.” Based on feedback we decided that needed to learn to settle or she wouldn’t become a top-class printer.”
“Over time she has become the ‘perfect student’. She’s learnt to relax and to win races at the highest level,” said Moroney proudly.
“Tofane is very smart and straightforward. She was a bit shy and timid at the start but she has grown out that &she hasn't got any vices. She has in effect become a perfect student.”
The Everest slot holders have already been biting at the bit.
“Tofane is co-owned by Neil Werrett. He co-owns a slot with Max Whitby and has been talking about selecting Tofane for their slot. We’ve also been speaking to Yulong Investments about their slot.”
“So we just waiting for the borders to open up,” concludes Moroney practically.