BARTHELONA BIDDING FOR A HAT TRICK ON SATURDAY

Barthelona bids for a hat trick and Strike Force runs second-up at Caulfield today.

Barthelona runs in the last race of the day, the Open Handicap over 1400m where he has drawn barrier four and will carry just 51kg after the claim for Lachlan King.

The four-year-old has won his last two starts over 1400m at Flemington and Mike Moroney is confident will acquit himself well in stronger company.

“He’s drawn nicely and the claim gets him in seven kilos off the top weight and seven kilos less than what he carried last start,” Moroney said.

“I can’t fault the horse - he’s holding his condition well, his work on Tuesday was perfect so I think he’s got a chance in this stronger company.

“He’ll need to step away with them and use the draw and if he can do that I think he can be right in the finish.”

Strike Force runs in race four, the Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1400m with Lachlan King reducing his weight by 3kg and jumping from the outside.

The five-year-old finished a pleasing sixth first-up behind Ashlor at Caulfield two weeks ago and has done well since.

“The draw is not ideal but he has won from the outside barrier previously when Glen Boss rode him,” Moroney said.

“The thing that has convinced us is that there does not appear a huge amount of pace in the race so if he flies the gates he can press forward and get across.

“It’s not the easiest thing to do from that start at Caulfield but we think he can get across comfortably.

“He’s done well since the race, he looks terrific and I’m sure he’s in for another good campaign.”