War Chant (USA) warhorse Mood Swings continues to defy time and tide with his second black-type victory this year in the LR Black Heart Bart Stakes (1200m) at Belmont.
Saturday’s win follows the LR Grandstand Cup (1500m) Ascot in March (Photo / Western Racepix) and, apart from his black-type count, the 8yo veteran now has an overall record of 9 wins with earnings over $715,000 for trainer George Dupre and owner Barry Evans.
With apprentice Luke Campbell aboard, Mood Swings chased down front-runner Phanta (Gingerbread Man) to win by a half-length. It was another Yarradale Stud-sired feature race quinella from Super Smink (Super One) who was a short-head away for third money.
“His rating is so high now there are only a certain number of races he can go in,” Dupre said. “He has definitely got better in the last couple of years and has been working well and trialled brilliantly. I was surprised he was paying over $20 today.”
Campbell thanked Dupre for the ride when he could have quite easily engaged a senior rider for a race that didn’t allow claims for apprentices. “I love this horse and I’m super proud of that effort. I’ve had a lot of luck with him and he’s been a great part of my career so far.
“He got out of the machines really well today and relaxed beautifully. Phanta gave a kick on straightening but my horse was too tough.”
Mood Swings was a $7,000 buy out of the Yarradale consignment to the 2018 Perth Magic Millions Winter Yearling Sale. He is the 46th individual Stakes winners by War Chant (Danzig) who died aged 27 in April.
He’s the first and only named foal from Peters Investments-bred mare Scarlet Storm (Commands) who was an unraced daughter of G3 MRC Cockram Stakes winner Storm Alert (Metal Storm). His third-dam Marrich Bay (Old Spice) also foaled Hardrada (G1 Railway Stakes) and Ranger (G2 Lee-Steere Stakes)
Mood Swings was the second-leg of a Belmont double for War Chant after Without Reg won the Mrs Mac’s Hcp (1400m) for Oakford trainer Rhys Radford. The 6yo gelding improved his career stats to 7 wins for earnings of $252,000.
Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) is standing for a $5,500 (inc GST) service fee at Yarradale this season. Stud manager Davy Hanratty can be contacted for bookings or further details on (08) 9574 6490 or 0429 326 904.
