THREE FRIDAY NIGHT RUNNERS

Three runners for us under lights at Moonee Valley on Friday as Bellows, Pedro Ximenez and Bill The Bee represent the stable.

Bellows is the first to go in race two,the 3YO Maiden over 1200m, jumping from barrier nine with Jye McNeil in the saddle.

The son of Zoffany has placed in his three starts this preparation, the latest when making up a lot of ground over the concluding stages at Sandown over 1300m, and Mike Moroney believes a win is not far away.

“He’s drawn the outside which doesn’t help but the race is an attractive one with the VOBIS bonuses attached,” Moroney said.

“Understandably it’s come up a strong but our horse has done well and provided he can get a reasonable run then I do think he will run well.

Pedro Ximenez is in race three, the benchmark 70 Handicap over 2040m with Fred Kersley reducing the weight to 58kg.

It is the second start this preparation for Pedro Ximenez, who missed his intended run in the Woodend Cup when the Kyneton meeting was abandoned last weekend.

“Moonee Valley is possibly not his ideal track but we missed out at the weekend and this is a good distance for him,” Moroney

“It’s not the strongest of races and he’s second up after a long layoff.

“His work has been good and I will not be at all surprised to see him run well as we aim to get him out over further.”

Bill The Bee (pictured) is in race nine, the benchmark 64 handicap over 1600m and carrying 60kg after Fred Kersley’s claim.

Bill The Bee won over 1600m in similar class two starts back at this course and is well drawn in barrier four.

“We’re dropping him back from the 1800m at his last start at Flemington,” Moroney said. “He’s holding his condition particularly well and his work on Tuesday was excellent.

“I think he’ll be better suited at tonight’s distance and provided he doesn’t get attacked on speed I’m expecting him to run very well.”