Initially confirmed to retire into a stud career at the conclusion of his autumn campaign, trainer Peter Moody has revealed Dissident will remain in work ahead of a final tilt at further Group 1 success through the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival.

A notable performer over the 2013 spring without being able to break through for a victory at the highest level of Australian racing, Dissident returned to the track for second in the Listed Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) on February 15^th, winning the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) just two weeks later before sealing a breeding career when poking clear to win the Group 1 Royal Randwick Guineas (1600m) on March 15^th.

Believed to have been offered upwards of $5 million for his services from several Australian and New Zealand-based studs, Moody said the retirement of many of the country’s leading runners was the major reason for a final racing campaign.

“From his age group, Shamus Award and Eurozone have been retired, and then there’s older horses like Fiorente who won’t be coming back, so we decided to race on for another season,” Moody told the Herald Sun.

“We thought it’s a good time to give him his chance at a race like the Cox Plate, but only time will tell if it’s the right call.

“The one thing with him is that he’s improved every preparation and if that trend continues he could prove up to the top level.”

Unlucky not to break through for a race victory over five starts through the 2013 spring, Dissident finished second in each of his first three starts, including the Listed Rosebud (1200m), Group 3 Run To The Rose (1200m) and Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m); finishing sixth in the Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) and fourth in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in the weeks following.

Leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best early odds on all major races through the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival, including the Cox Plate, for which Dissident is offered at a generous quote of $41.

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