GROUP WINNING CHANCES IN TWO STATES ON SATURDAY

An important day for the stable with five runners across two states and winning chances in Group races.

Des Moines (pictured) is the first to go at Flemington in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) with Patrick Moloney in the saddle from barrier eight.

The daughter of War pleased Mike Moroney with an excellent third on debut at Caulfield three weeks ago.

“We’re really happy with the way she’s trained on since,” Moroney said.

“First time up the straight can be a bit daunting and we tried something different with her in her gallop on Tuesday.

“We tucked her in behind one and then came out late and she did it really well so we will try and tuck in on Saturday.

“She’s always shown us good ability and it will be something if she can finish in the placings in an important race like this.”

Top Of The Range runs in race eight, the Curragh Racecourse BM80 Handicap over 1600m where he has drawn barrier eight and to be ridden by Patrick Moloney.

The son of Savabeel scored a strong win at his last start at Caulfield and has thrived since.

“We can’t fault him really, he’s going into the race on Saturday as well as he did the previous race,” Moroney said.

“It’s a bigger field so he will have to be on his best behaviour and begin well. If he does that I think he will be hard to beat.”

Milwaukee runs out the day at Flemington in the last race, the NYRA Grand Handicap over 1200m. The son of Fastnet Rock has had a freshen since his trip to Queensland for the Magic Millions.

“He’s done well but he’s a horse you do have to do a bit of work with and whatever he does here I think he will improve on,” Moroney said.

“It’s his first time down the straight and we’ve used Jack Martin to claim and reduce his weight.

“It does look a winnable race and if he copes with the straight then I think he can be competitive.”

Moroney had Radipole and Tribal Wisdom nominated for races at Flemington but switched both to Rosehill instead.

Radipole runs in race eight, the Group 2 Ajax Stakes over 1500m where he has drawn barrier one and to be ridden by Corey Brown.

“He’s arrived there in good order and we’re really happy with him,” Moroney said.

“It’s an important race for his as the winner is exempt from the ballot in the Doncaster.

“He looks well weighted in this race, has a lovely draw and has good form going right-handed in France.

“If he gets the right run then I think he will run a big race.”

Tribal Wisdom is the last runner on the day, the Benchmark 89 Handicap over 1350m where he has drawn barrier 11 to be ridden by Brenton Avdulla.

“It looks a nice race for him and the give in the ground will be ideal for him,” Moroney said.

“He’s drawn out but I’m not too concerned as he can be a bit tardy away sometimes and will likely go back.

“We couldn’t be happier with him and with ordinary luck in running I think he is a real winning chance.”