GROUP RACE CONTENDERS AT FLEMINGTON

Three runners for us on a Group 1 day at Flemington including last start group winner Poland in the feature race.

Poland (pictured) runs in race seven, the Group 1 Australian Guineas over 1600m with Craig Williams in the saddle and to jump from barrier one under Craig Williams.

Poland resumed with a strong win in the Gr2 Autumn Stakes over 1400m at Caulfield and Mike Moroney expects the son of So You Think to be suited by the extra distance at Flemington.

“He’s nice and bright and everything has gone according to plan,” Moroney said. “I can’t fault him going into it, Craig Williams came and rode him in a gallop on Tuesday and was happy.

“There does appear to be a bit of speed in the race so we’d like to take advantage of the barrier, take a sit in the first four if possible.

“Like I said, he’s particularly well in himself and I’m expecting him to run well.”

Buffalo River is aiming for an All-Star Mile wildcard by winning the Blamey Stakes over 1600m with Jamie Kah again in the saddle from barrier six.


“He’s done particularly well from his first-up run where he was just nabbed on the line, and he’s a happy horse, nice and relaxed” Moroney said. “Jamie felt he just got flushed out a little sooner than she would have liked but he’s taken very good improvement from the run.

“He’s drawn to be able to dictate and provided he’s not harassed and able to build his momentum I expect him to be hard to beat.”

Des Moines runs in the last race of the day, the Frances Tressady Stakes over 1400m with Daniel Stackhouse aboard from barrier one.

“She’s very well in herself and trained on well and finally has drawn a nice gate so hopefully she gets a chance to run well in a Group race,” Moroney said.

“She’s in foal, looks terrific and it would be great for her to get some luck and run well in a Group race.”