SPRING GETS MORE SERIOUS TODAY

The spring begins to get more serious for us today with Chicago Cub, Rainbow Thief and Sound all running at Moonee Valley.

Chicago Cub and Rainbow Thief run in race five, the Listed Bendigo Bank Stakes over 1200m.

Mark Zahra is in the saddle for Chicago Cub (pictured) from barrier six and on the minimum of 56kg which Mike Moroney says will suit.

“He’s drawn nicely enough in what looks a race with speed and he gets some weight advantage,” Moroney said.

“Ideally he can get across and race on the speed. It’s a strong race and he’s very well, his work has been terrific and although it’s a rise in class I do think he will be competitive and be hard to beat.”

It is the first start this preparation for Rainbow Thief and Moroney has deliberately chosen this 1200m contest with Dwayne Dunn aboard but drawn barrier seven in the eight horse field after scratchings.

“He can want to get going but we reasoned that at a higher level and over 1200m the tempo would be true and help him to relax,” Moroney said.

“The draw is not ideal as he will likely have to go back but in a small field if they do go licketysplit then I’m sure he’ll be finishing off well.

“He’s pleased me in his jumpouts coming into it and provided he gets a clear run I’m expecting him to run well.”

Sound is in the last race of the day, the Open Handicap over 2040m with Mark Zahra riding and to jump from the outside barrier 11.

“He looks in great order and his work has been excellent,” Moroney said.

“He’s got some weight but he’s not really a horse for an apprentice. The draw is not ideal with the short run to the home turn but he looks terrific and I think he will be running well on his way to the Bart Cummings in a couple of weeks time.”