GROUP 1 TRIUMPH FOR ALABAMA EXPRESS

Twenty years after Redoute’s Choice won the CF Orr Stakes, his son Alabama Express walked in his famous sire’s hoofprints and claimed the Group I at Caulfield.

One of Australia’s greatest stallions died last year but his deeds were remembered on Saturday when his three-year-old son gave trainer Mike Moroney his 50th Group I win.

Some had questioned Moroney’s decision to tackle Group 1 opposition against older horses as opposed the Group 2 Autumn Stakes for three-year-olds but his judgement proved spot on.

Alabama Express, was wide for the 1400m the trip for jockey Michael Dee due to his wide barrier, but was still brave enough to become the seventh three-year-old to win the weight-for-age feature.

Some had questioned Mike Moroney’s decision to tackle Group 1 opposition against older horses as opposed the Group 2 Autumn Stakes for three-year-olds but his judgement proved spot on.

"He had the toughest run in the race and still won," Moroney said. "When I saw he couldn't get in, I just thought it was game over.

"But it wasn't. He's that good that he did what he did.”

Moroney is a little unsure where Alabama Express will head next with several Group 1 options.

“We knew he was unlucky in the Coolmore Stud Stakes last spring and we decided that in the autumn we would aim to get the Group 1 win with him,” Moroney said.

“Now that he’s done that it’s one mission accomplished - the choice we have now is to drop back in trip for a race like the Newmarket or stay for races like the Futurity.

“We’ll see how he comes through this but he’s really come of age this colt and I believe the best is still ahead of him, he’s a gorgeous horse to look at and his temperament is faultless so we’ve got a lot to look forward to.

“That is officially now number 50 (Group 1 wins) and to get it with a horse like this in a race like this is terrific.”

Alabama Express was purchased by Paul Moroney as a yearling for $280,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter sale and has now won four of his seven starts and earned $534,750.

Congratulations to connections, R & C Legh Racing Pty Ltd, Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd, B & C Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd, Mr L Petagna, Mr D C Morison, Ballymore Stables (Aust) Pty Ltd and Miss K S Glindemann.