Autumn Carnival prospects on show this weekend

A busy weekend for the stable kicks off at Moonee Valley on Friday night when last start winner Spontaenous contests the Michael Rodd UK Racing Tour Handicap.

Contesting a similar race to that which he won at the track two weeks ago, the tough four-year-old looks nicely placed for a double and he does seem to race very well for Dwayne Dunn.

A big day at Sandown on Saturday with seven runners starting off with the lightly raced and promising Stormy Hussey.

Having her first run since the spring, the daughter of Hussonet did not take long to strike form last time in - really improving when ridden cold.

She has had just the five starts, winning her maiden at Bendigo back in October. Barrier 1, considering her racing style, is of some concerns but she will be partnered by the strategically clever Nick Hall.

We have two runners in the third race, the Rancher Handicap. An improved second up showing is expected from Sophrosyne who displayed so much potential last winter.

Whilst well beaten at his first run since August, he will strip fitter and an extra 100m will suit. He has 59kg to contend with but one of Australia's best heavyweight jockeys Steven Arnold takes the ride

"He is a big chance If he can find his right form," Michael Moroney said - "I think he is a seriously good horse."

Exciting three-year-old Viking Hero also takes his place, the in-form Luke Currie aboard. Having his first run since losing an Oaks Day Listed race on protest, he has pleased the stable with his progress since then.

"You will see a stronger version of him this time in," Moroney said - "he is a lovely horse."

"We are plotting a path towards the AJC Derby," he continued. "He's out of a Zabeel mare and I expect staing to be his forte - he won't find his best form until he gets over a bit of a trip.

We also saddle up two runners in the fifth race, the Starcraft Handicap. We were very pleased with Abitofado's first up fourth at Caulfield and the step up from 1400m to the mile suits.

A winner at the distance, Abitofado tends to improve at his second run back and he should perform well with stable apprentice Jordan Mallyon's 3kg claim bringing him with 3kg less than last start.

Also bound to appreciate a rise in distance is the promising stayer Linton Street. He is, of course, better over longer trips - successful over 2800m at Flemington on Cup Day - but he strips fitter and he is reunited with Chris Symons who won on him that day.

I Robot pleased us with his return to racing when sixth at Moonee Valley first up. He is better for the run and does boast handy second up form. Barrier 18 is a horror draw but Jordan Mallyon's 3kg brings him in with a kilo less than he had first up. He lines up in the sixth race, the Betfair Handicap.

Our final runner of the day is Nothingbutthetruth in the seventh race, the Brian Green Handicap. He had little luck at his Australian debut at Moonee Valley last start, doing a great job to run fourth.

On the mininum with the services of Craig Newitt on Saturday, the son of Galileo deserves a change of late - last time out having been shuffled right back through the field at the 600m.

In other stable news, the exciting colt King Pulse is pleasing with his work.

"We gave him six weeks off and three weeks on the water walker," Moroney said. "He's been doing strong pacework since coming back to the stable and we'll step him up shortly. All going well we would to think he could head to the Newmarket."