Promising Playing God gelding Best Mood is still learning what the racing game is all about but a distinct class edge made all the difference in the Tyler Lewis Memorial (1200m) at Ascot last Wednesday.
Best Mood was resuming since a short spring campaign that included a debut win at Geraldton for trainer Michael Grantham and owner Bob Peters. He jumped straight to the front first-up but didn’t have it all his way with Good Vibes (Capitalist) sitting at his girth until Willie Pike got to work half-way down the straight.
“I was confident after his trial at Lark Hill last month although I didn’t think he would lead today,” Grantham admitted. “Willie had no choice and took the initiative. This horse has ability and he’s quiet at home but it’s frustrating when the adrenaline takes over on raceday.
“I told Liam (Peters) we might have to put him in a graduation next start to see if he still pulls over 1000m but we will leave that up to the boss.”
Champion WA stallion Playing God sired him from Moodometer who won the G3 WA Oaks (2400m) in 2006. The dam was purchased by Peter Diamond for $16,000 at the Mungrup Stud Dispersal Sale in August 2020 and it was an inspired buy considering Best Mood made a sale-topping $330,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions.
He was purchased by John Chalmers on behalf of Peters Investments from Willaview Park (as agent) at the Swan Valley Sale. “I didn’t think he would make that much so we had to keep extending,” Chalmers said. “He’s a big, staying-type with lots of scope.”
Willaview vendor Claire Williamson was ecstatic with the result. “We knew there were genuine bidders on him and we’re stoked for Peter. This horse is a one-off and an outstanding looker.”
Moodometer’s final foal is a yearling filly by Playing God with trainer Ryan Hill. The 21 year-old grey mare was pensioned by Diamond last year.
Fellow Playing God 3yo Rope Them In doubled up for the Darling View champion in the MacMahon Hcp (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday. He was also sold through Willaview Park (as agent) at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions and was a bargain at $60,000 when purchased by trainer Steve Wolfe.
Rope Them In (3g Playing God – Lead Rope by Real Jester) was bred by Noel Carter, his brother Peter and son Duran along with good mate Matt Marlow. They kept a share and that’s paid off big time with earnings over $310,000 which includes Westspeed Bonuses of $132,000.
Both winners were conceived off an $11,000 fee in 2019. Fast-forward five years and Playing God’s services have risen to $49,500 (inc GST) at Darling View.
