Cape Londonderry Ready to Go One Better

Gallant in defeat at his last race day outing at Benalla, going down by narrowest of margins, Cape Londonderry looks well placed to break maiden status when he lines up in tomorrow’s maiden event over 2000m at Wangaratta.

A three-year-old son of red hot sire Pentire, Cape Londonderry looked the out and out winner turning for home at his last start, after taking a prominent position throughout, and was denied victory within a matter of strides.

“The horse that beat him went and ran third on Saturday, so there is strong form around him heading into tomorrow,” trainer Mike Moroney said.

“The draw will allow us to put him in the race without using much gas. He’s running well and I think tomorrow is the ideal race for him – he’ll be hard to beat.”

Cape Londonderry is from the unraced Stravinsky mare, Modern Lady, making him a close relation to Gr.2 City of Auckland Cup winner Zarius, and was purchased by Paul Moroney Bloodstock from the Karaka Premier Sale in 2014.

Ballymore’s second mid-week runner will be on Wednesday when the lightly tried Courageous Rock (pictured) steps out at Sandown Rating 70 Handicap over 1800m and will have the services of 3kg claiming apprentice Jake Bayliss.

Stringing two very tidy performances at Cranboune and Sale respectively, before having no luck at his last outing in the Ararat Cup, Courageous Rock has always illustrated good ability and looks a strong chance in Wednesday’s race.

“Despite being wide and having a tough run, he was a little disappointing,” Moroney said.

“We’ve been pleased with him since, and while he has a tricky gate he has a chance of getting an easier run this time as Sandown has a long back straight and is a far bigger track than Ararat, which will give him his chance.”

“It’s a handy field with some strong form around several runners, but if he can produce what we know he is capable of, he is a solid each way chance.”