A MASSIVE EASTER SATURDAY FOR US

A big day for us on Easter Saturday with seven runners at Caulfield and one at Randwick on the final day of the championships.

Star Surprise gets us started in race three at Caulfield, the open 3YO handicap over 1400m and the handicappers topweight.

“He’s jumping from the outside but he gets the advantage of Thomas Stockdale claiming three kilos,” Moroney said.

“The horse is not the biggest so that should help, his condition is good and he just rolled up the last furlong on Tuesday in his gallop and pleased me.

“I’d say we should settle midfield - there doesn’t kook a lot of speed in the race and if he can get the breaks I’m expecting to be in the finish.”

Barthelona runs in race four, the benchmark 78 handicap over 1100m with Fred Kersley reducing the wight but drawn the outside barrier in a big field.

“It’s extremely windy today so that could impact us with the barrier draw unfortunately,” Moroney said.

“He’s trained on well since his excellent run first-up and this looks the right race for him so provided the conditions are not completely against him I’m sure he’ll run well.”

Milwaukee and Mr Marathon Man both resume in race six, the open handicap over 1200m.

Thomas Stockdale will ride Milwaukee which has drawn nicely in barrier three.

“He’s had a little break and although he’s had a couple of jumpouts and solid gallops he does look a bit burly so I’d say he’s going to improve for the run,” Moroney said.

“He’s drawn well and we’ve claimed to help him. He doesn’t have a great firt-up record so I’d say that whatever he does here he will improve on.”

Mr Marathon Man will jump from barrier six with Michael Dee in the saddle.

“His jumpouts have been good and sharp which is why we’ve elected to start off over this trip,” Moroney said.

“It’s a strong field and if he ran up to his best form he will not surprise me at all by running a big race.

We have three chances in the Elvis Thurgood 40th Anniversary Cup, better known as the Group 3 Victoria Handicap, over 1400m and all are resuming in Chapada, Hang Man and Gundown.

In-form jockey Daniel Stackhouse will be in the saddle for Chapada, jumping from barrier eight.

“I’m happy with him and he looks great,” Moroney said.

“I’d say he’ll get run off his feet at this trip but he’s ready to go and I’ll be happy to see him pick up in the straight and run through the line.”

Michael Dee partners Hang Man (pictured) from barrier 12.

“I couldn’t be happier with him, his work and jumpouts have been excellent and he looks terrific,” Moroney said.

“If they run this at a fast clip and he gets the breaks at the right time I will not be at all surprised to see him get home over the top of them.”

Reigning Moe Cup winner Gundown will have James Winks in the saddle and jump from barrier nine.

“I’d say the trip and conditions are against him,” Moroney said. ‘The heavier the better for him and obviously the 1400 is on the short side for him but I want to get a run into him in case we end up having to have a short break in racing.

“He’s nice and bright and I’m happy with him but the conditions are not in his favour.”

At Randwick Hawker Hurricane runs in race five, the Arrowfield Sprint over 1200m with Opie Bosson to ride but unfortunately the outside barrier in a field of 10.

“He’s settled in well and his work on Tuesday was excellent,” Moroney said. “I’m a bit worried about the heavy track and he’ll need luck from the gate.

“He worked terrific on Tuesday with Opie on board and provided the track doesn’t turn against us, I think he’s good enough to run well.”