Treasurethe moment triumphs in Sunline Stakes after comeback run

Treasurethe Moment has earned a Group 1 opportunity in Sydney courtesy of her return to the winners' list courtesy of trainer Matt Laurie at Caulfield.

Her Saturday conquest in the Sunline Stakes (1600m) represented the mare's first victory post her Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) success at Caulfield last spring.

The mare began her autumn slate placing third in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last month, leading some experts to cast aspersions on her form.

Not everyone approved of the mare underperforming at $1.90 odds-on, but Laurie rejected the criticism given Treasurethe Moment's enforced leading role.

On Saturday, tracking Astral Flame proved ideal for Treasurethe Moment, enabling her to strike the front just before the 200m and power to an authoritative success.

With Daniel Stackhouse aboard at $1.55 favourite status, Treasurethe Moment prevailed by two lengths against Astral Flame ($21), and Suntora ($31) trailed by an additional three-quarters of a length for third.

There was mounting expectation ahead of Saturday from Laurie, but Treasurethe Moment proved reliable once more.

"I've been happy with her whole career," Laurie said.

"Her first-up run was fantastic without winning and this was a step down in grade to what she had been competing against.

"It's lovely to see her go about it in that fashion and for the lead in to her next start, it looked ideal."

Bringing Treasurethe Moment to Caulfield for a workout last Saturday paid dividends, according to Laurie.

"It had been a number of weeks since she last ran, so she needed a trip away," Laurie said.

"I'm glad we did it. She was on her toes and having a good sweat last weekend.

"She was much quieter today, more relaxed, and it certainly served its purpose.

"Well done to Daniel, he was cool, calm and collected and got the job done for us."

Upcoming possibilities include the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap and the Group 1 Queen of The Turf Stakes at Randwick over 1600m on April 4 and 11, the latter being Laurie's top choice.

"That will be a discussion with the owners, but I think a three-week gap to her next run would be ideal," Laurie said.

"I think with the trip up there, it gives her time to settle in.

"The Doncaster is going to be a pretty strong race. Sheza Alibi goes there, Autumn Glow, I presume, so that might be the right way for us to go."

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