True Jewels won the 2001 Blue Diamond for the amiable Kiwi, but Hawker Hurricane – winner of $200,000 Magic Million Clockwise Classic – was Moroney’s first pre-Christmas juvenile metropolitan success in more than 10 years.

The clockwise classic has been run seven times at Ballarat, offering a unique dimension with two-year-olds careering over the course the reverse way.

All of the winners preceding Hawker Hurricane ($6.50) have never been as far off the lead as the Deep Field colt, who jumped slowly to be midfield in the run.

Patiently ridden by Mark Zahra, the youngster weaved his way to victory over Charvet and stablemate Alburg.

The race was professionally called by 16-year-old Dayne Barry, who stepped in for Matt Hill.

The teenager handled his first metro race call with aplomb.

# IS there nothing John Allen cannot do?

Accomplished over the jumps and on the flat, the Irishman was standing next to Jamie Mott with nobody around to leg Mott onto Cup mount Tradesman, one of five Darren Weir runners.

Allen quickly obliged before mounting Kiwia and storming to a rousing victory.

Apart from the Group 1 Derby and Mackinnon spoils, Allen has also won the Sandown Guineas and the Benalla, Kyneton, Ararat and Ballarat Cups this spring.

HAVE YOU SEEN/HEARD?

LUKE Wilkinson has built an impressive reputation as Mick Price’s bloodstock manager with an enviable ability to scoop bargain buys.

Nariko, which won Hertz Ballarat Handicap (1200m), is another prime example of Wilkinson’s skill. Plucked from the Perth Magic Millions for only $45,000, the mare took her earnings to just under $100,000 with her fourth win from 13 starts.

Nariko was superbly ridden by Zac Spain, who will start a 10-meeting ban for careless riding next Saturday after being suspended at The Valley on Friday night.

*****

KHARTOUM is likely to given another tilt at the Listed $300,000 Pakenham Cup after ending a two-year drought with dogged victory in the Champions Estate Handicap (2300m).

In a performance which prompted trainer Pat Carey to laud jockey Fred Kersley’s flawless display, Khartoum returned to the winners’ stall for the first time since December, 2017.

Pointing to the gelding’s steeped staying bloodlines – by Helenus out of Galileo mare Katsumi – Carey expects the five-year-old to contend further over extended trips.

WHO’S HOT?

LINDA Meech. It’s a recurring theme but, for those late to the party, find a frontrunner with decent credentials and Meech, regardless of venue, rarely fails. She’s tracking over 22 per cent from her last 50 rides.

*****

OFTEN overlooked, the barrier staff continue to excel.

Jess Eaton was pitched into a dangerous situation before when Redefine played up in the gates before the Haymarket Ballarat Handicap (1400m).

The gelding spun around and was facing the back of the barriers before it was removed by staff. Eaten was saved from certain injury by fearless and quick-thinking staff.

Dwayne Dunn, who won the race on Haunted, praised the attendants who risked their own safety to ensure the safety of horse and rider.

*****

JUNGLE Edge has long been regarded as a superior wet-tracker and the veteran again proved why with his 15th win on rain-affected going.

The greybeard sprinter had been competitive at group level before landing the Tonks Plate (1200m). From 38 starts on wet ground, Jungle Edge has found the first three 26 times.

STEWARDS

Fred Kersley – nine meetings, careless riding

Ethan Brown – eight meetings, careless riding.

HITS

$15,000 @ $3.30 on Vincere Volare

$10,000 e/w @ $4/$1.55 on Rox The Castle

$10,000 Cradle Mountain @$2

$3,000 @ $4.60 on Demerara

MISSES

$8635 @ $2.90 on I Am Someone

$5000 @ $2.50 AND $5,000 @ $2.40 on Cardiff

$5000 @ $10 on Charvet

$5000 @ $3.20 AND $5,000 @ $3.10 on Not A Royal Doubt

TWEET OF THE DAY

“Exceptional talent The Closer winning at Ballarat, one of several very nice horses in the stable by Dundeel. He’s a sire to look out for! #nextbigthing.” Ciaron Maher after The Closer’s victory.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Gee, that turn of foot was electrifying.” – Dwayne Dunn after I Am Queen’s explosive win in the Global Turf Handicap (1100m).