Extra distance and weight didn’t hamper Backbone in the least; he gave his rivals a short back and sides in winning the Melbourne Signage Concepts Handicap at Moonee Valley.

Leading trainer, Darren Weir, had some reservations about the 59 kgs, which was a rise of 3.5 kgs, more than he won with the previous week at Flemington, and the distance 500 metres further, and winning margin much greater.

Backbone has really hit his straps, he has found a new lease of life, he had complete control of the traffic from the outset and had the result put away before the home turn was reached.

The horse has trained on well since his Flemington win, there was a concern about weight but it did not bother him, he was in a winning position all the way thanks to Ben Melham, another great ride, t just a matter of put in and take out.

“I was a bit keen to claim on the horse but the owners wanted to stick with Ben, and that was alright with me. “

“The horse is in great order, he has done well during the week, he is not a great track worker, we popped him over a few hurdles and he was spot on,” said Weir.

Zabeelionaire was seen to be running on, he has been out of the winning list for quite some time, he may get his chance before the spring.

Backbone by the evergreen sire - Mossman