Across The Moon kicks of weekend

Well related filly Across The Moon is the stable's first runner this weekend, the two-year-old contesting the Triple M Merson Cooper Stakes at Sandown on Saturday.

An encouraging fith behind the flying She's Got Gears at her Flemington debut, Across The Moon was expected by trainer Michael Moroney to figure in the finish but a tardy start "cost her any chance."

"She only has to jump well and put herself in the race to be a top chance second up," he said. "She ran really nicely at debut and we expect her to prove hard to beat."

An $80,000 Magic Millions purchase, Across The Moon hails from the debut crop of Golden Slipper winner Stratum and she is a 3/4 sister to the dual Gr.2 winner Melito from the family of Zeditave.

Over in New Zealand Paul Moroney saddles up promising filly Our Tigress in the Gr.1 1000 Guineas at Riccarton.

Having only her fourth start, the daughter of Danehill stallion Tiger Hill has displayed good natural ability and although she tackles a strong field - 1000 Guineas winner Katie Lee the favourite - she is expected to run well.

"She has a bit of a horror draw (18) but we'd love to get her some black type," Michael Moroney said. "We think she is a nice mile/200m type in the making and she had no luck last time out."

Our Tigress hails from a strong northern hemisphere family, her relations including the Gr.1 winners Cerulean Sky and Moonstone.

Two nice runners at Mornington also - the first of those debutant Steel Stilettos in the second event, a 1220m Super Vobis fillies maiden.

A $75,000 Easter yearling by Hussonet out of a half sister to the Gr.3 winner Vestey, she has been shaping well on the track.

"She is a nice, strong filly," said Moroney, "and it will be interesting to see how she fares at her first start. She has been showing us enough at home and she looks a nice sprinter/miler type."

Hopefully it will be a running double for the stable, the consistent Itimio lining up in the third race, a 1524m maiden.

"He shouldn't remain a maiden for much longer," Moroney said. "He has drawn nicely and has plenty in his favour."

Luke Currie takes the ride on both Mornington runners and has been riding well.

In other stable news, Derby champ Monaco Consul has been enjoying a short break and will be back at the stables at the end of the week. He is more than likely to be on a flight to New Zealand on Sunday with the big weight-for-age race on New Year's Day his next aim enroute to the New Zealand Derby.

Michael will be in New Zealand next week inspecting yearlings at the Karaka Ready To Run Sale.

Remembering that the stable have proven themselves over many years to be outstanding judges of young horses, interested parties should contact Anthony Feroce on 0412 084 132.