Platinum Passion too strong at the Valley

Talented mare Platinum Passion, our sole runner at Moonee Valley on Derby Eve, kicked off Melbourne Cup week with a strong victory in the Printhouse Graphics Handicap.

Working across to the lead from a wide gate, the promising grey was always travelling well although she did look to be in a bit of trouble when headed on the inside in the straight.

Not to be denied victory however, she dug deep and on the line was working clear - nicely rated by Michelle Payne who was also aboard she Platinum Passion won in such impressive style at Flemington back in June.

Having had only five starts, the well related daughter of Redoute's Choice still has plenty of scope for improvement and Michael Moroney was happy with her win.

"She hasn't had a lot of practice yet," he noted, "but she is heading the right way."

"We are looking at the 2000m race on the last day of the Flemington carnival for her - that should suit her down to the ground."

Hailing from the same family as our Melbourne Cup winner Brew and Tuesday's candidate, the reigning VRC Derby winner Monaco Consul, Platinum Passion is a granddaughter of the wonderful mare Horlicks who on this weekend 21 years ago raced away with the Mackinnon Stakes.

On breeding, type and temperament, Platinum Passion shapes as a horse who will get more ground.

"I think she will stay," Moroney said, "she is a nice, relaxed sort of mare."