TOFANE AND AKTAU READY FOR SATURDAY

Tofane takes the next step on The Everest trail on Saturday and Mike Moroney could not be happier with the five-year-old.

Tofane runs in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday and Moroney is confident of a strong showing.

The daughter of Ocean Park finished a close fourth first-up in the Bobbie Lewis Quality however, Moroney says there were extenuating circumstances.

"They just cantered and sprinted late last start and that's what you're up against when you race down the straight - she's got good straight form but we're well aware that at time, those races aren't really run to suit a horse like her,” Moroney said.

“We had her pretty forward for her first run but I think she's improved again,her work on Tuesday was terrific - she's got to be close to her best Saturday because the next one is the big one.”

Moroney says Tofane is not ideally suited by the conditions of Saturday’s race.

“She has to give Santa Ana Lane weight and, to be fair, his best will take a power of beating, but as long as the race is run truly then I’m sure she will be in the finish.”

Moroney is more realistic about the chances of Aktau in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m).

The import is already in the Caulfield Cup following his win in the Mornington Cup. Daniel Moor will have his first race-day ride on Aktau after being booked to partner Aktau at 51kg in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) when he will be third-up.

“Daniel has been in to ride Aktau and the pair are getting on well. The horse worked on the grass Tuesday and pleased us,” Moroney said.

"It's a little bit hard for him at the weights on Saturday but as long as he’s hitting the line and finishes in the first six, I’d say we're right on track for the Caulfield Cup," Moroney said.

"He drops down to 51kg in the Caulfield Cup and we're training him to be at his best on that day.”