THREE CHANCES ON DAY 2 AT WARRNAMBOOL

Mirimar went close to getting the Warrnambool meeting off to a winning start for us on Tuesday and we have three chances today.

Mirimar looked the winner halfway up the straight before being swamped late and on Wednesday we debut another import in the shape of Mr Marathon Man (pictured), who runs in race seven, the $175,000 Wangoom Handicap over 1200m.

The French import has not raced since finishing runner-up in the Group 2 La Coupe over 2000m at Longchamp last June.

“I’m thinking the trip will be too short for him but it’s a lovely starting point for him,” Moroney said. “We’re anticipating there will be some give in the ground which will suit him.

“He’s pleased us at home, his last jumpout at Werribee was pleasing and he’s trained on nicely since.

“From the outside draw I’m expecting he can settle midfield and every time we’ve asked him to produce something for us on the track he has so it’s great to get him to the races.”

Outback Warrior runs in race seven, the Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1000m with James Winks to ride from barrier three after scratchings.

“I don’t think he got the trip last start over 1400m so I’m happy to drop him back in distance,” Moroney said.

“We’ve kept him fresh with swimming and cantering and if we get some ease in the ground that will suit him also.

“I’ve left the blinkers on and we’ll ask James to let him settle where he’s comfortable and get him to finish off.”

Iowa Hawkeye starts the day for us in race two, the 3YO Maiden Plate over 1700m with Rhys McLeod to ride from barrier three.

The son of Lope de Vega ran well last start for second over 1400m at Pakenham and Moroney is keen to try a longer distance.

“It’s a big field but he’s drawn nicely,” Moroney said. “He’s improved from his last start and we’ve added the side winkers just to help him a little bit more.

“I’d say he should be able to get some cover from that draw, the one question mark we have is if the forecast rain arrives we don’t know what he’s like in the wet but otherwise we’re happy with him and expecting him to run a good race.”