LOOKING TO STRIKE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

A busy day with four runners in two states on Saturday and hopefully a winner before Christmas.

Lord Barrington and Blackwolf Run are close to home at Moonee Valley while Strike Force and Milwaukee are at Warwick Farm.

Blackwolf Run is to contest the valuable VOBIS Gold Carat over 1200m which is race seven at Moonee Valley.

The son of All Too Hard has been gelded since his only race when he finished third over 1000m at Moonee Valley more than 12 months ago.

“Very happy with him and he’s picked up noticeably in the last two weeks,” Moroney said.

“His last jumpout was pleasing and the key will be getting away from barrier two.

“If he can jump on terms and use his speed then he should be in the right position.

“He’s been off a long time which is the only concern but he gets away with them then I think he can run a big race.”

Lord Barrington has trained on well and he too has drawn barrier two in race six, the Powerflo Solutions Handicap over 1200m.

“We’ve put a line through his last start at Sandown where it just didn’t work out for him at all,” Moroney said.

“He’s rock hard fit and a horse who holds his form once he is fit.

“As with Blackwolf Run, the key will be the start as he has to step cleanly otherwise he will be shuffled back.

“If he jumps away with them then I do think he has a chance in what looks an even race.”

Patrick Moloney will ride Blackwolf Run and Lord Barrington.

At Warwick Farm Strike Force will be the first to go in race three, the Boxing Day at Royal Randwick Handicap over 1600m where he will face five rivals.

Moroney said the drop back in distance from the 2000m at his last start will suit.

“He’s drawn barrier one, he’s freshened up nicely and he gets a bit of weight relief from his last start,” Moroney said.

“I think he can position in the first three and possibly even lead.

“The small field should not be a problem and we will decide after this race if we press on to the Magic Millions race.”

Milwaukee (pictured with Lord Barrington) rounds out the day when he starts in race eight, the Theraces Handicap over 1400m where he has drawn barrier one.

Moroney is expecting a better showing from the four-year-old on a firmer track.

“He’s another who needs to jump well from there but if he does he could land right on the pace,” Moroney said.

“He’s training well and doing well and it does look a winnable race.

“With ordinary luck he can settle in the first three and back on a firmer surface I’m expecting him to be very competitive.”

Christian Reith rides Strike Force and Milwaukee.