VENGEUR MASQUE TO COMMENCE SHORT AUTUMN CAMPAIGN AT BENDIGO

Three runners for Ballymore Stables at Saturday’s metropolitan meeting at Bendigo.

Blackwolf Run is the first to go in race two, followed by Yesterday’s Songs in race four and Vengeur Masque in race seven.

The French import is first-up in the feature race of the day, the Golden Mile (Listed) over 1600m and will be ridden by Patrick Moloney.

Vengeur Masque (pictured) won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr 3) over 2500m at Flemington at his last start last November and Mike Moroney is delighted with the way the six-year-old has progressed from his spring campaign.

“He looks terrific and I’d say he’s probably now a fully mature horse,” Moroney said.

“Unfortunately he has a horrible draw so we’ll ask Patrick to ride him back as in all reality he’s unlikely to be competitive over this distance.

“He’s very well and capable of running a cheeky race fresh - after Saturday he will head up to Sydney for one run and then we will put him away to concentrate on the Melbourne Cup.”

Yesterday’s Songs is also first-up in the Open Sprint (1100m) after a lengthy break, unplaced his last start behind Brave Smash at Listed level at Moonee Valley last September.

The seven-year-old is training well and has pleased Moroney in his jumpouts.

“He’s getting on but he’s very well and his jumpouts have been excellent,” Moroney said.

“His work on Tuesday was terrific and he’s come through that well. He comes in to barrier three after scratchings will help.

“It’s a solid field and he’s forward enough to run a big race first-up.”

Blackwolf Run will also jump from barrier three after scratchings in the 3YO BM 70 Handicap over 1000m and Moroney has made a rider and a gear change.

“Patrick says he mucks about in the gates and he’s probably got used to him so we’ve put Brian Higgins on to see if that makes a difference,” Moroney said.

“His win at Ararat was good but then he was very slow away last start at Sandown.

“We’ve also taken the blinkers off him and although it’s a strong field if he brings his A-Game then he can be competitive.”