CUP RUNNER ON SUNDAY

A brace of runners for us on Kilmore Cup day including Rainbow Thief in the feature $150,000 Cup.

Daniel Stackhouse is aboard Rainbow Thief (pictured) in race six with a difficult outside barrier in the 12-horse field following scratchings.

“He’s just had no luck with barriers at all this preparation,” Moroney said. “He drew nicely in the Seymour Cup on this course and was beaten less than two lengths finishing fourth.

“I’ve taken the ear muffs off, he’s got a little bit too relaxed so we’ll see if this sharpens him up - he’s nice and fit and his work has been good,

“They have forecast some showers later on and if we get some it will help him. It’s a competitive race but if he can get some luck from the barrier then I think he can be right in the finish.”

Pineapple Girl is the first to go in race four, the Benchmark 64 Handicap over 2000m, jumping from barrier six with Daniel Stackhouse in the saddle.

It is the second start this preparation for the four-year-old who has a gear change for today’s race.

“It would have been nicer to draw better but it’s a small field so it shouldn’t matter too much,” Moroney said.

“She’s fitter now and up to a more suitable distance - I’ve added blinkers to her for today and I’m expecting a better performance, I’ll be disappointed if she doesn’t do something today.”