BARTHELONA AND RADIPOLE OUR CHANCES AT FLEMINGTON

Radipole and Barthelona are our representatives at Flemington on what is shaping as a sunny winter Saturday.

Barthelona is the first to go in race two, the Flemington Event Starff Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1200m with Lachlan King reducing his weight to 58.5kg from barrier three.

It is the second start this preparation for Barthelona, who was beaten three lengths behind Highland Beat first-up at Caulfield on June 29.

“Lachie has won on him before which is always a help but he has struck a solid enough field for a benchmark race,” Mike Moroney said.

“There are some proven straight track horses so it will be easy.

“We’re happy with him and he’s come on for that first-up run which was off a long break. I think he will be competitive and today’s race should set him up for a good campaign.”

Radipole (pictured) runs in race eight, the VRC Recognition Handicap over 1600m with Michael Poy reducing his weight to 56.5kg.

The import has had no luck at his two starts this preparation however, Moroney feels he has a few things in his favour today.

“It should be a genuine soft track and that will suit him for sure and drawing out is not a major problem,” Moroney said.

“There is some speed inside him so I’d say he should be able to get across into a good position and let him flow to take bad luck out of it.

“He gets in well at the weights and if he brings his best then he should be very hard to beat.”