MOONDANCE CAN BE CHIEF AT WARRNAMBOOL

Chief Moondance is our only runner at Warrnambool on Thursday following the withdrawal of Metson and Potemkin.

Mike Moroney prefers not to start Metson on a heavy(10) track for his debut while Potemkin has developed a foot abscess which will hold him up.

Chief Moondance will run in the fourth race, a maiden over 1200m due to start at 2.30pm (aest) and Moroney is not expecting the track conditions to be a problem for the son of Foxwedge.

“He finished second on a heavy track at Moe two starts back, raced on the speed most of the way and coped with it,” Moroney said.

Chief Moondance (pictured) finished fifth at his last start at Warracknabeal but with extenuating circumstances as Moroney said.

“He missed the kick, which is not like him, and was on the back foot. Then as he was moving up before the home turn a horse came out in front of him and speared him off at the turn,” Moroney explained

“He lost a few lengths but got going again once he balanced up and was only beaten 3 1/4-lengths.

“Under the circumstances, I thought there was merit in the run.”

Chief Moondance has drawn the outside which is not ideal but may prove an advantage with the state of the track.

“He’s done well since his last start and certainly fit enough so we’re just looking for a bit of luck from where he’s drawn,” Moroney said.

“Ideally he can get across and slot in near the speed and then give himself a chance.”