Terror fights off rivals at Moonee Valley

The victory of Essence Of Terror at Moonee Valley has meant a lot to jockey Chris Symons.

Saturday’s win in the Zouki Handicap (1000m) by the Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained mare broke a run of outs for the jockey.

“I’ve had so many seconds lately,” Symons said.

“It’s nice to get a winner, especially for the owners and Matty and Simon.

“We’ve had a relationship for a long time so it’s important that you still get results.”

Essence Of Terror’s win was Symons’ 42nd winner for the season and comes on top of 163 placings he has recorded.

Firming from $8.50 to $8, Essence Of Terror scored by a length from the $3.30 equal favourite Zara Bay with Appalachian Annie ($5.50) a short neck away in third.

Zahra said Symons should become a trainer after the jockey recommended Essence Of Terror have blinkers applied and be dropped back in distance.

Essence Of Terror finished fourth at Geelong at her last start and Zahra said the stable was disappointed with the performance.

“We followed his advice and put her over some hurdles,” Zahra said.

“It was to mix it up, especially with a mare who has been in work for a while.”

Essence Of Terror is likely to keep racing while the tracks remain firm.

“We’ll see how she pulls up but if the rain does come we’ll put her out and bring her back for the summer,” Zahra said.

Credit: AAP

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