Monaco Consul to resume in Liston

The stable is gearing up for a big Saturday with four nice runners at Caulfield on Saturday – including stable star Monaco Consul who kicks off his spring campaign in the Gr.2 Liston Stakes.

Having his first run since late April, the four-year-old has matured into an imposing entire and Michael Moroney is looking forward to seeing the classy son of High Chaparral in action.

“He has performed nicely in two jump-outs in preparation for this,” he said. “He may need a bit of luck against such high quality performers over the 1400m but a forward showing would not surprise us.”

“He has won over the 1400m first up in New Zealand – it was only a maiden but he came from last that day and was most impressive.”

“He handles a wet track so that won’t bother him.”

Moroney is also happy to be striking a rain affected track with stable stalwart Mr Baritone who is having his first run since an unlucky and close up eighth in the Stradbroke Handicap in May.

A horse who doesn’t take long to find form, the nine-year-old millionaire has been pleasing us with his work and the 65th Anniversary of the End Of WWII Stakes looks a nice race for him.

“We can’t fault him – he is going really well. He has topweight (57kg) but he is a big, strong horse who has always carried weight well. He didn’t get many wet tracks up in Brisbane and he has been crying out for them.”

Earlier in the day imported mare Fairfield Flame begins her spring campaign in the second race, the Weary Dunlop Research Foundation Handicap but she will be improved by anything she shows first up.

“She is a genuine stayer and I think she will probably get run off her feet over the 1400m,” Moroney said – pointing out that the daughter of Oasis Dream is on a Melbourne Cup path.

Back to the first race of the day and the tough Abitofado looks a top chance in the RSL Handicap.

A winner at Caulfield two weeks ago, the honest six-year-old steps up to 2000m and he boasts a consistent record at the trip.

“This race looks slightly tougher than last time,” Moroney said, “but he is in great form and he will prove competitive again.”

In other stable news we are sad to report that last start Sydney Cup runner Divine Rebel has bowed a tendon and has been retired. A great mare for connections, she won six races and over $600,000 in stakes and we wish her connections the very best of luck for her broodmare future.

 

* Monaco Consul is amongst the finallists for the NZ Three-Year-Old of the Year Award to be announced on September 3.