LAKHONI CAN ATONE AT CRANBOURNE

Just the one runner on Cranbourne Cup day as Lakhoni bids to make up for a luckless last start run.

Lakhoni runs in the first race of the day, the Benchmark64 3YO Handicap over 1300m with Patrick Moloney in the saddle and drawn barrier five.

As you would expect at Springtime, although there are only nine runners it is a strong race with eight of the nine separated by just four rating points.

Lakhoni was most unlucky not to finish closer at his last start when fifth behind Bandipur over 1100m at Caulfield when running out of room late and Mike Moroney is expecting the slightly longer trip on Sunday to suit.

“He was beaten less than two lengths last time and came from last, which was in contrast to his debut win when he led most of the way,” Moroney said.

“I think he’s a talented horse and the aim is to get him out a little in trip.

“Although he’s by the French Derby winner Dalakhani he’s got a lot of natural speed and we are just looking to harness it.”

Lakhoni has only raced twice, scoring on debut at Bendigo and Moroney is looking for a forward showing on Sunday.

“Ordinarily we’d be going there thinking he can win but it’s a strong field - eight of the nine runners are winners so it’s a strong race,” Moroney said.

“That said, we do like our horse and the smaller field should suit at this stage of his education so we’re expecting him to run very well.”