FIRST CUP RUNNERS OF THE SEASON ON FRIDAY

Daytime and nightime runners for the team on Friday with our first Cup runners of the season.

Hang Man and Time To Dazzle travel to Benalla while Alabama Express and Top Of The Range are only up the road at the Valley.

Hang Man (pictured) runs in race nine, the Benalla Gold Cup over 2046m with James Winks engaged to ride and Mike Moroney feels the import has some factors in his favour.

“I’m sure James will suit the horse as he’s a patient rider and we’re in the race with a light weight which is going to be an advantage,” Moroney said.

“The horse is third-up and had no luck last start at Flemington - I think he probably should have won and that form looks good enough for this race.

“He’s just improving with each run and I can’t fault him. The trip today is ideal at this stage and with ordinary luck I’m expecting him to be hard to beat.”

Time To Dazzle runs in race three, the 3YO Maiden Plate over 1406m but has again had no luck with the barrier.

“We’ve drawn wide again which is frustrating but it doesn’t look the strongest of races so we’ll let her take her chance,” Moroney said.

“Her work has been good and she’s ready to go, she’s pleased us since her first start at Seymour and while she’s still open to improvement she run a better race today.”

Alabama Express gets the night started in the first race at The Valley, the Propunter 3YO Plate over 1200m with Jordan Childs aboard from barrier one in the field of six.

“It’s only a small field but it’s a hot looking race,” Moroney said. “Our colt has taken good improvement from a luckless first-up run at Mornington and he deserves his place.

“There does look some speed in the race so he will need to be smart away. There’s still some improvement in him but I do think he will be hard to beat tonight.”

Top Of The Range runs in race six, the Group 3 JRA Cup over 2040m where scratchings have reduced the field to nine.

It is the second start this preparation for Top Of The Range who is on the minimum with Michael Dee to ride from barrier six.

“His first-up run was excellent and he’s got a good record second-up,” Moroney said.

“He likes it at the Valley and I think he’s right in what looks an even race.

“Ideally there will be some speed on and if that’s the case then I do think he’s a real chance. He’s in the best shape he’s been and ready to run a big race.”