Fiore family ties enhanced a promising win by their lightly-raced gelding Money Trees in the Vinidex Maiden (1000m) at Bunbury on Sunday.
Myalup trainer Brandon Fiore prepares Money Trees for a partnership that includes his parents Frank and Pauline Fiore. What’s more, the Rommel 4yo was ridden by his wife Lucy whose mother Carol Nelson is also a part-owner.
Money Trees with (L-R) Kevin Hammond, Greg Brun, Carol Nelson, Lee & Natalie Chapman, Lucy & Brandon Fiore and Pauline & Frank Fiore. Photo / Western Racepix
Money Trees jumped a $2.70 favourite on the back of an encouraging debut when runner-up to Ain’tsobad (Maschino) at Bunbury last month. He was forced to work hard from an outside gate that day but lobbed in the lead from an inside draw on Sunday.
He was eye-balled by Extreme Ruler (Universal Ruler) into the straight but kept lifting for Lucy to score by a half-length. “He was slow to mature and we gave him time to develop because we knew he had ability,” Brandon said on Wednesday. “He’s pulled up well and that win will be a confidence booster. We will look for a longer trip now and there’s a race over 1200m at Pinjarra in a fortnight that should suit.”
Ridgeport resident Rommel sired him from Morphettville winner Atlantis Bar (Onemorenomore) and the pedigree needed an update with the nearest black-type three generations removed to Macau LR Lisboa Juvenile (1200m) winner Good Master (Testa Rossa).
Money Trees was bred by Kelly Davis and sold through Scenic Lodge (as agent) for $22,500 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions. Rommel had already crossed with mares from the Red Ransom (USA) sireline to produce last year’s Toowoomba Cup winner Military Gambler.
The Bunbury result was the icing on the cake for Lucy and part-owners Lee and Natalie Chapman. They are also in popular grey mare Admiration Express (My Admiration) who led home the local contingent behind interstate interloper Light Infantry Man (Fast Company) in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot on Saturday.
“She ran out of her skin,” Lucy confirmed. “I thought we were going to get there but Light Infantry Man was just a bit too good. I couldn’t have had a better run, she rolled into it super, and she’s back to her best.”
Trainer Jason Miller indicated Admiration Express will close her summer campaign in the LR La Trice Classic (1800m) at Ascot on New Year’s Day.
