BIG SATURDAY FOR THE STABLE

A big day for us at Caulfield with six runners headed by Chapada in the Caulfield Cup and Tofane in Sydney in The Everest.

Chapada (pictured) won his way into the race with a dominant win last Saturday in the Herbert Power Stakes and he drops 3.5kg for today.

Chapada has had a quiet week however, Mike Moroney could not be happier with his condition.

“He’s had a very good week, his weight is the same as it was last week and he hasn’t missed a beat,” Moroney said.

“We haven’t galloped him at all but I’m happy with him. The one little issue is the softer track which is not his ideal surface and the wide draw is not ideal but I could not be happier with him.

“We’ll see how the track is riding before making a plan but I’d say we’ll likely go back from the draw, it just depends on the weather and if the track deteriorates.”

Des Moines resumes in race six, the Alinghi Stakes over 1100m with Jordan Childs riding.

“The softer track probably nullifies her drawing out in six,” Moroney said. “She’s trained up well and her gallop on Tuesday with Tofane was excellent.

“She races well fresh and if the day begins to suit those from off the pace she could easily swoop home and be in the finish.”

She’s A Thief is also in the Alinghi Stakes, drawn barrier three with Daniel Stackhouse riding.

“It’s a strong race but we’re happy with our mare.” Moroney said.

“Unfortunately the weather is against her and being drawn where she is might not be the place for her but she’s in good form and definitely an each-way chance if things go her way.”

Yatton and Star Of Eden both run in race five, the Ethereal Stakes over 2000m with Jye McNeil aboard Yatton from barrier 12 and Billy Egan riding Star Of Eden from barrier five.

Star Of Eden ran well last time when third over 1800m at Flemington at just her second start and Moroney has a good opinion of the daughter of Wandjina.

“She’s drawn nicely and can race on the speed,” Moroney said. “Her work has been good and she’s a talented filly.

“She’s going to be better next time around but she deserves her place in this race today on trial for the Oaks.”

Yatton continues to run well without luck and Moroney has added blinkers to the daughter of Savabeel.


“I’m really happy with her and we’ve added blinkers to help her concentration,” Moroney said. “The Oaks is her main target so we’ll be looking to go back, let her relax and then finish off.

“If things go her way today I think she’s a winning chance, she hasn’t raced on a soft track but I think she will be ok on it.”

Tour Of Duty runs in race four, the Caulfield Classic over 2000m with Michael Dee riding from barrier two after scratchings.

Tout Of Duty finished a close second over 1800m last time out at Flemington and Moroney has added some head gear for today’s race.

“He’s trained on well and his gallop on Tuesday was as good as I’ve seen him work,” Moroney said.

“We’ve added the blinkers to keep him focussed and if he can settle handy from the draw then I’m sure he will run well and be hard to beat.”

Up at Randwick, The Everest is race seven with Tommy Berry riding Tofane and drawn one from the outside in barrier 11.

“She’s arrived there in good order and we’re really happy with her and can’t fault her,” Moroney says.

“I can see the race being run at a true speed, she’ll be back a bit and as long as she gets room to run on in the straight then I do think she will be hard to beat.”