The talented Pencarrow-bred galloper Rhythm to Spare (Pins x Stanica) dropped back in class for the A$81,000 Peter Armytage Handicap (1610m) and proved too good with a decisive 1.3 length victory on Friday’s Anzac Day meeting at Flemington.

The son of Pins was returning to Melbourne from two unplaced efforts in Sydney on rain affected tracks that didn’t suit the Mike Moroney trained gelding.

Leading rider Damien Oliver was having his first ride on Rhythm to Spare and positioned the gelding beautifully in fourth position in a strongly run race. The leader Spacecraft (Galileo) ensured a fast pace as he opened a large margin on the field during the middle section of the race.

Entering the long straight at Flemington Spacecraft had a large lead over the chasing pack that was headed by Rhythm to Spare. The four-year-old gelding pounced on the leader and attacked the line as he raced away to win by 1.3 lengths over the chasing Minnie Downs (Clangalang) and Oregon Spirit (Bel Esprit).

“He didn’t handle the ground in Sydney so we bought him back to Melbourne,” commented Moroney. “There is a Group 2 Mile in Adelaide in about a fortnight’s time for him.

“There was good speed and it was a truly run race. He got a lovely run into the race, he quickened up really well and we thought it was a nice, strong win.”

Friday’s win was the fifth victory from 15 starts for Rhythm to Spare, taking his earnings to A$238,639. He was placed in his first two races in New Zealand before being transferred to Moroney’s Melbourne stable. Moroney shares in the ownership with along with G G Ltd, Mr J A O'neill, Carty Racing, Mr A Dunne, Mr M Pejic, Mrs J Pejic, Mr G Devonport, Ms J A N Lee, Mr M G Dominello, Mrs E Dominello, Mr R S Scheriani, Mrs A Scheriani, Mr B D Nettlefold & R & C Legh Racing Pty Ltd.

Bred by Sir Peter and Philip Vela, Rhythm to Spare is out of Group 1 Avondale Cup runner-up Stanica (Zabeel) who is a daughter of American stakes winner Pleasureconnection (Danzig Connection) and is from the family of champion racehorse Game on Dude (Awesome Again).

Rhythm to Spare is one of three foals to race for Stanica, all of them have been winners with Rhythm to Spare also a Group 3 placegetter in the Grand Prix Stakes last season. Stanica was served last season by star racehorse All Too Hard.