Good Omen For Jockey's Shift To City

Sun Herald

Sunday December 23, 2007

By John Schell Randwick

SOON-TO-BE Sydney-based jockey Peter Robl combined with Warwick Farm trainer Clarry Conners to win yesterday's McGrath Estate Agents Handicap aboard Our Mosstique.

Robl is based at Benalla in country Victoria but next month will make the full-time move to Sydney where, among others, he will ride for Conners.

"The time is right for us to come to Sydney," Robl said.

"We have a three-year-old daughter so if we make the move now we can see how things go and get settled.

"In the middle of January we will come up and get a bit serious about things.

"As soon as I get here I'll have to start riding trackwork again, so that's why I'm delaying it a bit," he added with a smile.

Robl and Conners devised a winning plan for Our Mosstique but it was dependent on speed being on in the race.

When that eventuated, Robl was more than happy to be settled back in the field on the gelding, which firmed in betting from $13 to start a solidly supported $9 chance.

"Clarry had him primed for a big return and it was just a matter of riding him quiet," Robl said.

"His form was pretty good before the break. He just didn't handle the very wet track at Warwick Farm."

Our Mosstique rounded up rivals in dashing style and held off the late challenge of the Bob Pearse-trained Banana Split ($18) to win by a neck.

There was 21/2 lengths to third-placed Gasket ($8.50), while the easing Gai Waterhouse-trained favourite Fizeau weakened late after working in the lead.

Conners said Our Mosstique was "a nice little horse" and is hopeful he can go on with the job this preparation.

Conners produced a double later on in the day when Kick 'n Chase made it three wins for 11 starts.

© 2007 Sun Herald

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