Ballymore Tackle Five Meetings Across Three Days

The team have their sights set on the first winner of the new season this weekend with potentially seven runners to step out across several meetings and Jackpot (pictured) looks well placed to set the trend and make it back to back victories tomorrow at Racing.com Park.

The lightly tried son of Volksraad has endured his fair share of setbacks, but a dominant performance at his last outing suggests he is well placed to make his presence felt again in what looks like a stronger field of gallopers.

“He’s trained on well from what was a very impressive win last and he’s on target to producing another good performance,” trainer Mike Moroney said.

“It’s a stronger field than last time, but judging on the way he handled himself, he should be up to this.”

Following a disappointing effort last start, Malfum hopes to show some needed improvement and Moroney believes the application of blinkers will certainly assist him. Having been nominated for three races across the weekend, Moroney has opted to head to Saturday’s race at Bairnsdale.

“He performed well below where we think he is at and with the good barrier draw, and application of blinkers, this should see a positive turn around.”

“There’s a question over whether he will handle the predicted heavy track conditions, but if he does, he will be ridden a little handier and should more prominent in the finish.”

The extended time between runs was believed to be the reason behind Fortune Patch’s battling performance last start, and the quick back up will look to play in his favour, should the Randwick track not deteriorate too much.

“If the track is too heavy we may look to scratch him. Outside of the track conditions he looks a good light weight hope and we feel the backup will help,” Moroney said.

Classy galloper Rhythm To Spare will make the step up to 2000m when he takes his place in the VRC Member Wendy Johnson Handicap and Moroney is confident the extra distance is made to suit.

“He’s just that little bit older now and doesn’t possess as much zip as he once did, hence the 2000m looks the right distance for him now.”

“It’s an even race and if he gets a good run in transit we think he can certainly make his presence felt.”

Heading to Ladbrokes Park on Sunday is Margin Trader who makes the step up to the suitable distance of 2100m for the first time this preparation and appears to have trained on well and is looking super in his work.

“He’s come to hand nicely for this race and we’ll look to ride him a little more positive from the gates,” Moroney said.

“We’ve appointed apprentice jockey Dylan Dunn which brings him back to 58kg which should be ideal in this field.”

Coming off the back of a luckless last start performance, talented sprinter Sound Works looks well placed to be very competitive in the Rating 78 Fillies and Mares event over 1200m and will carry a luxurious 54.5kg.

“This looks a suitable race for her and going on her last start run, in a stronger field, where she was very unlucky, you would think she can go close to winning,” said Moroney.

Barnsley is the third and final runner at Sandown and is looking for his third career victory in the Rating 70 event over 1200m. Patrick Maloney returns to the saddle, after piloting the son of Showcasing to his last win, and and rain about should only enhance his chances.

“He was a touch disappointing last time in, but we’ve elected to go with a senior rider for this run and he looks well placed at the weights.”

“You couldn’t fault the horse on the way he has worked leading into Sunday and if he can get things to fall his way he should be a solid each way chance.”