CHICAGO CUB TO DEBUT AT BENDIGO ON TUESDAY

Two runners for the team at Bendigo on Tuesday with Squaw Valley and Chicago Cub, who is off to the races for the first time.

Chicago Cub will have his first start in race two, the 2YO Handicap over 1000m where he will be ridden by Patrick Moloney and jump from barrier three.

The son of Zoustar showed good ability in his first preparation before being spelled and was ridden out to win his 800m jumpout at Flemington on April 13.

“He’s had a bit of practice and trialled up nicely at home,” Moroney said.

“It looks like he’s struck a handy field but it will give us an idea of where he sits.

“The 1000m should suit him but it does look a strong race so the experience will stand him in good stead and he’s got good natural talent.

“He might be coming to the end of this preparation but I’d like to get him to the races and start him off.”

Squaw Valley (pictured) runs in race eight, the Benchmark 64 Handicap over 1100m where he will jump from barrier nine after scratchings and be ridden by Patrick Moloney.

Squaw Valley led for much of the way when winning the Maiden Plate over 1000m at Pakenham on March 29 and lines up next in Tuesday’s Benchmark 64 Handicap over 1100m.

The three-year-old is taking on some seasoned older horses however, Moroney is confident he will cope with the step up in class.

“We had a couple of options for him but he will only have the one bend to run around at Bendigo,” Moroney said.

“We could draw off the track if we waited for the other options and he has got a lot of gate speed and with the straight run to the home turn at Bendigo I’m anticipating he will be able to get across and race on the speed.”

The son of Zoffany led most of the way to win on debut and Moroney said has improved since.

“Obviously it is a harder race but he’s improved for the run and he’s fitter for the race on Tuesday,” Moroney said.

“The extra 100m should not be a problem, in fact I think it will suit him.

“He will need an ounce of luck from the draw but he’s a horse we have a good opinion of and I think he will prove up to giving these older horses a test.”