BUSY DAY WITH FEATURE RUNNERS AT GEELONG

A busy day for the team with five runners on Geelong Cup day, including a chance in the feature.

Vengeur Masque (pictured) runs in the $300,000 Geelong Cup (Gr 3) over 2400m and Mike Moroney is prepared to take a chance with the French import

“We’ve put the ear muffs on him and I’m prepared to roll forward with him from a slightly awkward draw,” Moroney said.

“I think he should relax a bit with the ears on and I think we need to put him into a race.

“It’s a very even race but I think Vengeur Masque is approaching his best - he’s fitter, his work is good and his attitude is good.

“The softer track will suit him and he’s there to run a good race.”

Strike Force and Lord Barrington run in race five, the Dual Choice Plate over 1200m.

Lord Barrington has had two starts back this preparation and Moroney feels is ready to run a good race.

“I don’t think the field is too deep and although he’s got an awkward draw he has enough speed to cross,” Moroney said.

“The softer ground is going to suit him and he’s fitter so he should be starting to get competitive.”

Strike Force is first-up and Moroney has identified a longer-term target with him.

“We’d love to get him to the Magic Millions day at the Gold Coast in January so we need to get him going,” Moroney said.

“He’s forward enough for the day but he might find some of these a bit swift for him - whatever he does he’ll improve on.”

Potemkin is in race three, the Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1700m where he will jump from barrier one under Patrick Moloney.

“He’s trained on well and is holding his condition well this far into a preparation,” Moroney said.

“He’s certainly fit enough, it’s more a case of keeping him happy.

“He’s drawn to get a nice run just behind the speed and although he’s getting to the end of the campaign I do feel he can be in the finish with ordinary luck.”

Dodge City commences his preparation in race one, the Benchmark 64 Handicap over 1400m and will jump from the outside barrier.

“It’s a starting point and from his barrier we’ll likely go back and then ask him to run home,” Moroney said.

“He’s got the blinkers on, he’s bigger and stronger so it’s a good starting point for him to have a good campaign.”