Baraqiel threads the needle to land stirring Moir Stakes
Baraqiel turned a career of near-misses and rehab into Group 1 redemption, punching through a tight inside gap under Ben Allen to win the Moir Stakes (1000m).
The Moonee Valley specialist reeled in New Zealand mare Alabama Lass to score by a half-length, with Arabian Summer another whisker away in third after a breakneck early tempo.
Emotion framed the finish as much as speed.
Trainer Troy Corstens fought back tears speaking to media, reflecting on the years of setbacks that once had connections wondering if the gelding would race again.
For co-trainer Will Larkin, it doubled as a maiden Group 1, a payoff for the team that “patched him together” through tendon trouble and false starts.
The manner matched the narrative: Allen hugged the rail, waited, then pounced when the split appeared, the seven-year-old snapping home late to preserve an unblemished record at The Valley.
The win lifted Baraqiel’s card to eight wins from 12 starts and pushed earnings past $1.1 million—remarkable numbers for a horse who didn’t debut until five after a long injury layoff.
Baraqiel’s spring plans are neatly mapped.
Corstens confirmed the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) back at The Valley on September 26 is next, confident the extra trip suits a horse already a stakes winner at the distance, and he didn’t shy away from bigger talk beyond that:
“Bring on the Manikato,” he said, before noting The Everest (1200m) is firmly on the wish list if the phone rings.
2025 Group 1 Moir Stakes Replay – Baraqiel
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