Skiddaw Peak returns

“She has been battling a bit of muscle soreness,” Michael Moroney said, adding that even though “it is not a strong field,” she will be better for the run – “whatever she does she will improve on.”

 

Kyllaros takes her place in the second race, the Beauty Mate Handicap over 1500m. She has drawn nicely in barrier three with Mark Zahra to take the ride.

 

Lining up in the following race, the Cosmo Couture Handicap, Yaseen The Light also has a good gate – five – and with a claim from Jordan Mallyon does look well in.

 

“His two runs this campaign have been good enough,” Moroney said, “and he is getting up to a distance that should suit – he is a chance.”

Former Brian Mayfield-Smith trained galloper Russian Heart makes his debut for the stable as topweight in the Beauty Mate Handicap.

 

“He has a tricky draw and a bit of weight but he has good form – he is an interesting runner.”

Mark Zahra rides with barrier nine of 12 to contend with.

 

Also drawn out a bit is the consistent Spontaneous who runs in the Alternate Railway Handicap over 2040m. Due to be ridden by Dwayne Dunn, he was a very good second at Sandown last time out and a win is not far away.

 

“He is going very well,” said Moroney – “he is in his best form. He just needs a bit of speed, if there is genuine pace on he will be hard to beat.”

To Caulfield Saturday where we are represented by two runners, the first of those being Abitofado in the first race, the Sky High Handicap over 2000m.

 

A late scratching from last weekend’s Yarra Valley Cup, having knocked his eye, the five-year-old is racing in great heart and he looks nicely placed.

“He is racing well and he does hold his form,” said Moroney – “he will be hard to beat.”

 

Abitofado has just seven rivals to contend with and should be able to get across from barrier seven with the help of the in-form Mark Zahra.

 

Later in the day the classy Skiddaw Peak resumes in the Viking Ruler Handicap. Coming in with 56kg after Jordan Mallyon’s claim, he is having his first run in 12 months.

 

“It is a long break but he has had a couple of jump-outs at Flemington and gone well. He is a bit chubby but with his good first up form you can’t leave him out.”

 

Another two runners at Cranbourne on Sunday – firstly the debutant Mr Molokai in the second race, a Super Vobis three-year-old maiden over 1300m.

Drawn barrier one with Brad Rawiller to ride, he looks more of a staying type according to Moroney but “he does have ability and it would not surprise me if he runs well – he is a nice horse.”

A $100,000 Karaka graduate by Savabeel, Mr Molokai is out of a half sister to the Gr.1 winner Hulastrike

 

Scratched last weekend, having knocked a leg, Sukki Mojo will run in the third race, the Highview Accounting Maiden Plate. Due to jump from barrier nine with Luke Currie aboard, he was very good first up and a 100m rise suits.

 

“He is going well,” said Moroney, “and with natural improvement he will be hard to beat. He has really strengthened up this preparation.”