SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE RUNNERS TODAY

Runners for us at Caulfield and Randwick today with Poland the first to go in the Carbine Club Stakes at Randwick.

The Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes is over 1600m with Poland to be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy and drawn barrier 11.

Poland (pictured) raced a bit keenly when finishing fifth last time out in the Phar Lap Stakes and Mike Moroney is expecting a more measured performance today.

“He got going a bit early last start which didn’t help but he’s been nice and relaxed of late,” Moroney said.

“The wide draw today is not helpful and he has the weight penalty as the only Group winner in the race however, if he can relax and get some cover then I do think he the one they have to beat with ordinary luck.”

At Caulfield we have Alburq, She’s A Thief and The Commoner engaged with Alburq in race three, the benchmark 78 handicap over 1100m and Harry Grace aboard, his claim reducing the weight to 54kg.

Alburq has been racing consistently and has had a tick-over jump out since his last start.

“We tried him in the visor and he was sharper so that should help him today,” Moroney said.

“He’s nice and fit and had the mini freshen up, he always run a nice race and in what looks an even benchmark race I’m sure he will run well again.”

She’s A Thief and The Commoner both run in race four, the benchmark 84 handicap pver 1100m with Harry Grace in the saddle for She’s A Thief and Jye McNeil aboard The Commoner.

“She’s A Thief will strip fitter for today, I thought she ran well first-up at Mornington and only got tired late,” Moroney said.

“She’s done well since - my only little concern about today’s race is that there does look a lot of speed in it.

“If Harry can find some cover that will be a help and then she can finish off in the straight and hopefully deliver.”

The Commoner finished sixth last start over 1000m at Mornington where she was drawn wide but has more luck today from barrier three.

“The draw made it hard for her last start and she’s got more of a chance here today, even with the being one run to the home turn,” Moroney said.

“She’s holding her condition well - there does look plenty of speed in this race and she might be needing luck in the straight but her best form gives her a chance in what does look an even race.”