BATTLE ZONE READY FOR THE FIGHT

Battle Zone is the only runner for the stable at Geelong on Wednesday following the scratching of Little Rock.

Battle Zone runs in race seven at Geelong, the Benchmark 64 Handicap over 2418m and due to jump at 2.45pm (aest).

The outside barrier of 16 in a strong race had Mike Moroney considering if he should start the son of Zabeel however, lack of opportunity has made the decision.

“When we drew the outside we weren’t that keen to run but when we looked at the calendar we couldn’t see many options,” Moroney said.

“There isn’t a suitable race for some time so we are going to take our chance.

“It’s a very strong race for this grade and he’s coming up against some in-form horses.”

The outside draw is dictating race plans for jockey Patrick Moloney.

“We’re going to need a bit of luck and it is difficult to tell in these mile and a half races if there will be speed on,” Moroney said.

“He’s a horse who is better up there on the pace and he tends to relax if he’s up on speed.

“We’ll probably give Patrick plan A, B and C and leave it to him to work it out.

“It’s not going to be easy and we’re going to need a lot of luck but the horse is going very well, is up to his best distance now and we can’t fault him going into the race.”