Barimah shows grit

Bettors Delight-sired pacer Barimah again showed his fighting qualities with a strong effort in the group three Charlton Cup.

Barimah was terrific in finishing third after being unable to hold off late challenges from eventual winner Jadahson and runner-up Five Star Anvil --- with the winner returning a solid mile rate of 1.57-9 for the longer 2570m trip.

After being restrained early from his outside front row draw, Barimah was worked forward by Damo (Damian Wilson) when the “dust had settled.”

He got to the top after being asked to work past Beachstar and was rated a treat with splits of 31.6, 30.6, 28.5 and then home in 29.2.

Connections of Barimah - Pooba Govender, the Cormack and Nicholson families - considered competing in the Ouyen Pacing Cup on Sunday, but decided to target a race at the spacious Bendigo circuit instead next Friday.

Tony said Barimah had enjoyed a short let-up prior to Charlton and he’s confident the horse is ready to again show his best.

“We’ll just keep ticking along with him, with perhaps the $70,000 Kilmore Cup on March 19 being an option,” he said.

MOTH IN THE LIMELIGHT

Last start Melton winner Flying Moth is being aimed at the rich pickings of the Vicbred and Breeders Crown series in Victoria.

Owners Len and Irene Parker contemplated a trip to Bathurst in a few weeks for the Gold Crown carnival.

“That would have been a big road trip and heaps of fun, but you have to think what’s best for your horse – and at this stage we reckon we are better to potter around here,” Parker said.

The two-year-old filly, by Art Major, is a half-sister to the ill-fated former smart mare Lively Moth, who had 49 starts for an impressive 16 wins (career best of 1.53-1) and 13 placings for more than $230,000 in stakes.

Lively Moth (by Live Or Die) died earlier this year after delivering just one foal, a Bettors Delight 2yo filly, Lovely Moth, who shapes as a bright prospect.

Tony said he had always had a big opinion of Flying Moth.

“But if there’s a flaw in her make-up, I suppose that would be she’s a terribly slow learner,” he said.

  “There was never any doubt she didn’t possess enough speed; it was just she was not real quick to pick things up----however hopefully she has now turned the corner.”

Tony says there’s very little between Flying Moth and Lovely Moth.

“Fingers crossed, but I reckon there’s exciting times ahead with these two youngsters,” he said.

 *Hoofnote: Flying Moth is the third winner, all in sub two minute times, from the unraced Classic Garry matron Moody Moth.