CRAFTY LION GETS HIS CHANCE AT BALLARAT

Crafty Lion and Parsifal are the stable representatives on Sunday when they head to Ballarat.

Crafty Lion is the first to go in race one, the Open Maiden over 2300m while Parsifal goes in race four, the 3YO Maiden over 1400m.

Crafty Lion (pictured) is certainly knocking on the door with placings at his last two starts and Mike Moroney feels this is the chance for the son of Mastercraftsman to win.

“He just keeps improving and if anything he’s fitter and thriving on the preparation,” Moroney said.

“It’s only a small field and if there is a question in my mind it is the speed, or lack of it, in the race."

Crafty Lion will jump from barrier two in the seven-horse field and Moroney is considering taking luck out of the equation.

“With the small field we might have to make the pace as I don’t want to risk getting held up behind the leaders on the fence from the draw,” Moroney said.

“He was held up like that two starts back when he finished second and I think it cost him winning.

“I think if things go his way today he can be winning.”

Parsifal is having his second start after a promising fifth on debut at Ballarat over 1100m at Ballarat last month.

Moroney feels the step up in trip will suit the son of Darci Brahma, a brother to our own Lord Barrington.

“I was a little bit surprised he didn’t show as much speed as I thought he might but in saying that, he hit the line really well,” Moroney said.

“He ran in a strong Maiden there and he strikes another one on Sunday so it will be a hard race to win.

“He’s improved since and trained well so I’m expecting a forward showing and a win will not surprise.”