Take Two for the Queensland Oaks

It's take two for the Queensland Oaks this weekend, the Group One Classic lost to last Saturday's washed out programme which has been no disadvantage for our lovely filly Alaskan Rose who has been thriving in Brisbane.

So much so that Michael Moroney admits to being pleasantly surprised by her condition, the bay having been trained to peak for the ATC Oaks in late April - a race in which she had no luck at all in.

Pulling up so well from that race, Alaskan Rose travelled to Queensland contest The Roses, another race into she ran into trouble, striking severe interference and being pushed wide.

But again she recovered well and with a better run on Saturday should prove "hard to beat."

"She looks great," Moroney enthused, happy with how she has just kept "bouncing back" from tough runs.

Moroney has also been pleased with the progress of Queensland Guineas aspirant Tivaci who jumps from barrier six in the Gr.2 contest.

"He has drawn nicely and his work has been very good - we can't fault him."

"Tsaritsa has been racing well and should prove hard to beat but we think this is the right race for our horse and he can figure right in the thick of things."

Suited back up to 1600m having run on gamely in the 1350m Fred Best Classic last time out, Tivaci has good form lines from Melbourne having defeated Palentino in the C.S Hayes Stakes in late February.

We also have a Flemington runner on Saturday, Araldo Junior looking suited up to the 2500m of the Young Members' Ball Handicap.

Close up at his last couple of runs, the imported galloper has a bit of tricky draw (nine of 12) but we are looking forward to seeing how he performs at the distance.

"His German form suggests that staying trips will suit," said Moroney.

On Monday the Not A Single Doubt filly Sound Works lines up in the Press Statement Handicap at Canterbury and we are looking for an improved showing after she jarred up at her most recent outing.

"She has just been feeling the firm tracks but there has been rain about and we have changed her training regime around."

"She has been enjoying a bit of swimming and we think she can quickly turn her form around."

We also have two runners at the Mornington meeting, the first of whom is Bonnie Belle in the Thompson Lucas Handicap.

Game but unlucky seconds at her last two starts, the Keeper mare is close to a win.

"She ended up in the wrong position last time and at her previous start she had trouble getting a run at the right time."

"She has really been knocking on the door and whilst this is quite a strong race she is due a change of luck."

The weather holds the key to the chances of Nordic Duke in the Karingal Gala Ball Handicap, the seven-year-old at his best on rain affected going.

"The wetter the better for him and if he gets conditions to suit he is a good chance," Moroney said.