FIRST TRIALS FOR SPRING CONTENDERS

Three of our Spring Carnival hopes stepped out at the Flemington jump outs on Monday morning when Tofane, Aktau and Buffalo River stretched their legs.

Tofane was the first to go in heat one on the straight course with Dwayne Dunn riding, the McEvoy-trained Group winner Dollar For Dollar led all the way to win the heat in 46.24, the fastest of the morning.

Tofane was beaten about three lengths without being put under pressure and Mike Moroney was pleased with the trial.

“She began nicely and Dwayne got her to relax before letting her run through the line,” Moroney said.

“She’s come back stronger and is relaxing better in the mornings and Dwayne said that’s how she felt this morning which is exactly what we wanted to hear.

“She’ll have a more serious one in two weeks time but very pleased with the way she is progressing.”

Aktau was in heat nine over 1200m, won by Renegade in 1:12.34, with Vow And Declare second and Aktau finishing third, beaten four lengths.

“He flew the gates and put himself there however, they were going slowly so you can’t read much into that,” Moroney said.

“The tempo lifted late and Jye just sat on him and let him cruise through under his own steam, he got a bit tired late but that’s to be expected and Jye said he gave him a terrific feel so that is promising for the future.”

Buffalo River (pictured) was in heat 11 over 800m with Damien Oliver in the saddle, the trial won by Southbank in 49.02.

“He jumped away nicely and cruised to the front,” Moroney said.

“He went clear going easily but Damien just rated him and he finished a close second but a very pleasing effort and Damien was impressed with the way he went.

“He’s like the others and will have another jumpout in two weeks time.”