NIGHT RUNNERS AT PAKENHAM

Caught In A Trap, Iowa Hawkeye, Laybuy and Vantastic are our runners at Pakenham on Thursday night.

Caught In A Trap is in race one, the 3YO fillies maiden plate over 1200m with Jordan Childs in the saddle.

It is the first start for the daughter of Glass Harmonium which has the benefit of recent jumpouts to prepare her for her first time at the races.

“She’s had a bit of practice and she showed some early speed in her last jumpout against more experienced horses,” Moroney said.

“This looks a good race to get her started at a good track which is rated a soft (5) at the moment. Most of her rivals are first-starts so it’s difficult to get a real feel for the race but I’ll be happy if she has a nice experience.

“She’s fit enough to go to the races so she can kick off tonight and I’ll be pleased if she runs a forward race.”

Vantastic starts a new campaign in race five, the class 1 handicap over 1400m where Lachlan King takes the ride.

“It’s a small field and he’s capable of running well fresh,” Moroney.

“My one concern is the small field - ideally it will be truly run as it will not suit him if they sit and sprint.

“He races well fresh and if they do run along then he’s capable of running well, even though he’s better off over further.”

Iowa Hawkeye runs in race six, the benchmark 64 handicap over 1400m with Jye McNeil to ride, drawn barrier seven with eight rivals.

“It’s his first start back following a long layoff from an injury,” Moroney said.

“The wide draw is awkward but there is a bit of speed in it and with an ounce of luck Jye can get across and find a spot just behind the lead.

“He’s forward enough to run well and it does not look the strongest of races so I’m anticipating he will run well.”

Laybuy (pictured) is the last to go in race eight, the benchmark 58 handicap over 1200m with Jordan Childs riding.

“We thought this race looked his best option to start off and he’s drawn nicely,” Moroney said.

“He’s nice and fresh and will improve on whatever he does tonight however, with the favourable draw he can settle just behind the speed and I will not be surprised to see him run well.

“He’s got his share of weight but with the way this race shapes I think will suit him, even though he is better off over a bit further.”