ARALDO JUNIOR ON TARGET FOR CUP

Life in New Zealand is agreeing with the well-travelled stayer Araldo Junior.

He hasn’t missed a beat since arriving at the Matamata stable of trainers Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard to prepare for New Zealand’s premier distance test.

Araldo Junior drew serious attention to his prospects in Saturday’s Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) when he ran third in the Nathan’s Memorial (2400m) in his Kiwi debut last month.

“I’m really happy with him and he’s settled in very well since coming over from Melbourne,” Gerard said.

“He got home strongly last time out and his work since has been super.”

Araldo Junior was a three-time winner up to 2800m in his native Germany before being purchased by clients of Moroney and from the Flemington arm of his operation the seven-year-old won a further three times, including the Listed Queensland Cup (3200m).

The son of Medicean is also proven on all types of tracks, having been successful on good to soft going.

The stable will also have another genuine Group One contender at Ellerslie with Bocce taking aim at the Sistema Stakes (1200m).

A brave third in the Karaka Million (1200m) after making the pace, he lost his chance early on in the Gr.3 Harrison & Ford Slipper (1200m) at his most recent appearance.

“He tripped and stumbled at the start at Matamata and got a long way out of it, he had no chance after that but he’s done well since,” Gerard said. – NZ Racing Desk

Araldo Junior has drawn barrier 18, and Bocce barrier three. A changing weather forecast, at this stage suggests the track could be good.