First Southern Apperance for Vengeur Masque

The Irish bred, French raced, galloper Vengeur Masque (Monsun) will be making his long awaited southern-hemisphere debut today at Ladbrokes Park when he lines up in the Le Pine Funerals Handicap over 1800m.

Having never managed to get to the races last preparation, trainer Mike Moroney felt it was in the then colt’s best interest to be gelded after losing interest and concentration in a couple of jump outs and trials, and ultimately went to the spelling paddock.

“We’re very pleased with him heading into today – he’s had several jump outs to get him ready for the 1800m first up assignment and he’s a genuine stayer, so a forward showing would come as no surprise,” Moroney said.

“2400m and more will be his ideal trip, we just hope the track conditions don’t deteriorate too much as his best performances in Europe have been on better footing.”

Vengeur Masque will be ridden by Jake Bayliss and will receive a 2kg claim off his top weight (60kg).

San Vincenzo (So You Think) will also be making his first public appearance in the 3YO Grand Hotel Frankston Handicap over 1300m and while the classy son of So You Think looks a progressive sayer in the making, he still has a way to go to fine tune his racing manners.

“He looks a very nice stayer in the making, although he’s taking that little bit longer to learn his trade, so we’re lining him up today to help further his education going forward,” Moroney said.

Drawing barrier 14, San Vincenzo will be partnered with senior rider Patrick Maloney.

Margin Trader (Tavistock) certainly looks well placed to go one better than last time to the races when stepping up to 2400m in the Racing.com Rating 70 Handicap and will appreciated the 2kg claim of apprentice jockey Dylan Dunn.

“We can’t fault him and his work has been very good – he looks placed here and we think he’s a strong winning chance.”

“Ideally we’d like the rain to stay away for him as we think he’s better suited to firmer surfaces.”

One of the more interesting runners on today’s card for the team is quality filly Bonnie Belle (Keeper) who appears to have come through a nasty last start fall in remarkably good condition, and if mentally sound, can show good sight in the Crown Golden Ale Rating 70 Handicap over 1600m.

“Coming back from a traumatic race fall is never easy, but we’re very pleased with her and she’s working very well.”

“It’s hard to gauge what toll the fall has taken on her mentally, and you just don’t know until you get to the races.”

In the same race Second Obsession (O’Reilly) will be one horse hoping for some sting out of the track and a tough mile in rain affected conditions should suit her.

“There’s a question mark over whether she needs to go 2000m, but if it rains, it will be more like running 2000m.” Moroney said.