Sandown Classic Day

Saturday's Saturday meeting brings the Spring Carnival to a close and we are looking forward to saddling up two very nice horses in a couple of the features - In Style to take her place in the Gr.3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes whilst Garud (pictured) contests the Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes.

Blowing the start when making her Australian debut in the Northwood Plume Stakes, the Group One winner did a good job to finish within five lengths of Politeness.

"She cost herself maybe ten lengths," Michael Moroney said, "and at one stage in the straight she looked to be in the firing line. Obviously the effort told late but I think if she had jumped well she would've gone close."

Happy with In Style's progress since, Moroney said that from barrier one with Steven Arnold aboard he is expecting a bold showing.

"If she jumps well she can put herself on the speed and prove hard to beat."

Game in the placings at each of his last three starts, honest gelding Garud has unfortunately not fared as well with the barrier draw - due to jump from gate 11.

"He will need a bit of luck from out there as he is a horse who is helped by a good draw," Moroney said, noting that the eight-year-old races best with a bit of cover.

"But if he can work forward and get a bit of cover and relax he can again run a nice race."

"He has got form around some really nice horses and this does look a good race for him."

In other stable news we have our newest European acquisition Vengeur Masque in quarantine and ready to fly out of France.

A son of superstar German stallion Monsun (sire of Melbourne Cup heroes Fiorente and Protectionist) out of a full sister to the dam of Hong Kong Vase winner Vallee Enchantee, Vengeur Masque hails from a prolific northern hemisphere family whose members also include the Group One gallopers Volga, Vespone, Maids Causeway, Vin de France, Victoire Bleue, Neatico, Vitiges, Randy Cat, Rocking Trick, Germinis and Melbourne Cup runner-up Purple Moon.

"He is a nice big staying type who we hope will be a Melbourne Cup horse," Moroney said of the lightly raced three-year-old who won two in a row in France before finishing sixth in the English St Leger in mid-September.