CONDITIONS IN OUR FAVOUR ON SATURDAY

Just three runners left for us on a Group One Saturday with the wet conditions suiting our horses.

Unfortunately Rainbow Thief has not gained a start in the Doncaster while we have scratched Alburq at Caulfield due to the heavy track.

That leaves us with Tofane in the Group 1 T J Smith at Randwick and Mirimar and Buffalo River at Caulfield.

The heavy track will suit Mirimar in race two, the open handicap over 2400m with Michael Poy riding and reducing the weight to 54.5kg.

Scratchings have reduced the opposition to seven and Mike Moroney feels Mirimar has conditions to suit.

“He’s as fit as can be, gets out to his right trip and he gets a wet track,” Moroney said.

“He’s going really well and I think the heavy track brings him right into it, even though this is a strong race.

“Any further rain will help his cause but I do think he’s in this now with a big chance.”

Buffalo River resumes in race three, the benchmark 78 handicap over 1400m with topweight of 60kg after Thomas Stockdale’s claim and drawn barrier 12.

“I’m happy with him and he’s really well with some improvement left in him,” Moroney said.

“He’s had the two jumpouts and I think he’s as forward as he was lwhen he resumed last preparation.

“I think he should be able to get across to lead, the main thing is that he can relax and although he’s handled soft ground well it will be his first attempt on a heavy track.

“That said with ordinary luck then I think he’s a great winning chance.”

That leaves Tofane (pictured) in the Group 1 T J Smith Stakes over 1200m with Opie Bosson in the saddle and drawn barrier eight.

“She was unlucky not to finish closer in the Newmarket and her last start third in the Galaxy was terrific, beaten less than half a length,” Moroney said.

“The track is likely to be heavy and that will not worry her. Opie had a sit on her during the week and is very happy with her.

“It is a particularly strong race but our mare is in great form and even though she’s disadvantaged by the wight-for-age conditions, if it turns into a slog and more like a 1400m race than I’m sure she will run really well.”