ANOTHER BUSY SATURDAY

A busy Saturday for us with four runners at Caulfield and Yatton racing in Queensland at the Gold Coast.

Nerve Not Verve is the first to go in race three at Caulfield, the benchmark 84 handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m with Fred Kersley aboard and drawn barrier seven in a field of nine.

The five-year-old made good ground from the rear when resuming over 1400m at Caulfield four weeks ago and Mike Moroney says has come on strongly since then.

“She’s done really well and we gave her a tick over jumpout in between which was pleasing,” Moroney said.

“The draw is a bit awkward from that start at Caulfield but there does not kook a lot of early speed in the race. Provided she has ordinary luck then I’m expecting her to run well and be hard to beat.”

Alburq is in race four, the benchmark 78 handicap over 1200m with Brett Prebble in the saddle and jumping from barrier three after scratchings.

“He’s holding his condition well and has drawn a nice barrier,” Moroney said. “He continues to race well in this grade and he deserves a win.

“It’s a handy looking race and he should be able to race on the speed and he can do that I’m sure he will be thereabouts at the finish.”

Wisaka runs in race seven, the three-year-old handicap over 2000m under Daniel Stackhouse.

“We’ve taken the blinkers off him for today - he got a bit keen last start at Flemington and up in trip today I didn’t want to see that happen again,” Moroney said.

“He’s got talent but is still learning, the middle draw is a help and he should be able to get a nice run with cover. If he does and relaxes then I’m expecting him to run well.”

Shelby Cobra (pictured) rounds out our day in race nine, the three-year-old handicap over 1200m with Brett Prebble aboard and to jump from the outside barrier nine after scratchings.

“He’s strips fitter for today and his gallop on Tuesday was excellent,” Moroney said.

“I’m not so worried about the draw as they only have the one turn and if we do get the forecast rain then it might be the place to beat. The favourite is the obvious one to beat but if he can relax and get some cover then I think he’s in the race with a winning chance.”

Yatton runs in the Gold Coast Bracelet at Listed level for fillies over 1800m with Jye McNeil aboard.

“She should have finished closer last start when she was fifth at Caulfield - she got caught up in some scrimmaging at the top of the straight which halted her momentum at a vital stage,” Moroney said.

"My one concern is the soft track as I'm not convinced she's suited by it but one thing she will do is be staying on at the finish.

“She’s a lovely big filly who will be better over further and on a bigger track but she’s settled in well, it’s a Listed race today and it will set her up nicely for the better races further along in this preparation."