Big Spring ambitions for Tivaci

Tivaci will be out to enhance his stud prospects this Spring after saving himself from being gelded with a stakes win last campaign.

The Mike Moroney-trained four-year-old resumes in tomorrow's Gr. 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington, his first start since winning the Sunshine Coast Guineas in early July.

Moroney said Tivaci put it all together in the Guineas, which hadn't always been the case and gave connections cause to consider gelding him.

"We still think he's got a chance of making a stallion," he said. "He's such a good type, he's a well-bred colt and he's won a couple of Group Threes.

"If he can get a Group One on his CV, I'm pretty sure because he's such a good type, that he'll find a nice stud."

Moroney has always thought Tivaci has the ability to be a Group One horse and is hoping he delivers on that promise this spring.

"He's mature enough now and well-practised now," Moroney said. "He just lacked a bit of race sense, but he's getting it now. I think he's got the ability there. Saturday is a starting point for him."

Tivaci hasn't raced down the straight at Flemington before but Moroney said the timing of the race fitted in well.

The Gr. 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes two weeks later and also the Toorak Handicap are on the radar.

"That's what we'd like to run him in if he can make those fields," Moroney said.

Tivaci has had two jump-outs since his Queensland campaign.

"He didn't get heavy and he's got some residual fitness," Moroney said.

- Matthew Toogood