Turnball Stakes and Finals Weekend!

With Benalla’s Friday meeting abandoned, Ballymore has three less runners in what is a jam packed weekend of quality racing – a sure sign Spring is well and truly here – as well as that up and down Spring weather!

Saturday kicks off with Bonnie Belle (Keeper) who will line up in the Ridgeview Park Thoroughbred Stud Handicap over 1600m at Caulfield with stable rider Patrick Moloney appointed.

“We think she was feeling joint pain, hence why she ran off at her last outing, so if we’ve knocked that on the head, we should see her back today,” trainer Mike Moroney said.

“She looks fantastic and is very bright – if she brings her A game she’s a realy chance of giving this field a shake.”

The second runner at Caulfield is the lightly tried and talented But It’s True (High Chaparral) who, despite the wide draw, has trained on very well from an encouraging jump out.

“He’s matured plenty and come back in fine order,” Moroney said.

“The wide draw isn’t ideal, although if there is good speed on, that will give him an opportunity to come home well.”

But It’s True has been kept safe with bookies and is a good each way chance in the Rating 70 event over 1200m.

Onto Turnbull Stakes Sunday and the team has three runners headlined by Group 3 Bart Cummings Stakes contender Vengeur Masque (Monsun) who Moroney has been very pleased with following his gallant last start effort.

“We’re finally at a distance he will relish,” Moroney enthused.

“He’s certainly up in class, but he drops significantly in weight and is now at a distance where we think he can be competitive at this level.”

If Vengeur Masque is able to conquer Sunday’s event, an automatic entry in the Melbourne Cup will be awarded to him as a result.

Sognani (Magic Albert) will be hoping for a little more luck this time to the races when she takes on a hot field in the Group 1 Edward Manifold Stakes over 1600m.

“We’re happy with where she is at she didn’t say daylight at her last start, so it’s hard to measure her against this quality of field.”

“The mile should suit her to the ground and from the draw (7) she should be able to find clear running.”

Talented sprinter Yesterday’s Songs (Henrythenavigator) will be hoping the expected rain comes which will certainly bring him into calculations in the Listed Paris Lane Handciap over 1200m.

“The 1400m looks ideal and any rain will bring him right in this,” Moroney said.

“He comes into a strong field, but he is a winner at Flemington and should get conditions to suit.”

Patrick Moloney has been employed for riding duties.