Space & Margin Trader midweek

Midweek racing heads to Geelong where we saddle up two nice horses in Margin Trader and Space.

Striking a small field, having only five rivals in the Roderick Insurance Brokers Handicap, Margin Trader steps up to 2400m off a dominant 2100m victory at Echuca on December 31.

Whilst up a little in grade on Wednesday, the son of Tavistock has pleased us with his progress since that run and Michael Moroney is confident that the 2400m will suit all the more.

"He has only raced at the trip once and that was in the New Zealand Derby," Moroney said, "and he ran it right out that day."

And that form looks pretty good now considering that last year's Derby was won by subsequent Caulfield Cup winner Mongolian Khan.

Drawn the inside gate for Jake Noonan, Margin Trader looks a big chance to make it two in a row.

And we think Space (pictured), who contests the Geelong Australia Handicap, is also a chance on the strength of his very good first up run at Echuca on December 31.

Catching the eye with a strong late finish for fourth over 1400m, the son of Dubai Destination has come on nicely since and from barrier three for Anthony Boyd can run another bold race.

"He may be wanting a bit longer but his first up run was terrific and if he runs a similar race he should prove hard to beat," said Moroney.