HOOPS DRIVES DOWN THE LANE TO SCORE

Hoops continued her excellent progression when she proved too strong at Moe on Friday by powering through a gap late to claim the victory. 

The Tivaci mare was given the box seat run by jockey Ben Melham,  however coming to the turn she was held up and looking for clear running.

"She began a bit awkwardly today and there was a rush to the first turn, but we were able to hold our position behind the leaders. Then they bunched up around the turn and we just had to sweat on a run," Melham said post race. 

"When she got the gap she accelerated really well and was too good."

The Tasmanian Oaks placegetter is now two wins and a second in her past three starts all at 2000m.  A restricted race at Flemington during Cup week over this trip is on the cards according to trainer Danny O'Brien. 

"She is going well and if Danny wanted to continue stepping her up in grade I wouldn't talk him out of it," Melham said, who rode a treble at the meeting.

Pic by Racing Photos