BERMADEZ BACK TODAY AT PAKENHAM

We have four runners to represent us at Pakenham today including the long awaited return to action of the unbeaten Bermadez.

Bermadez (pictured) runs in race eight, the Class 1 Handicap over 1400m with Jamie Kah aboard.

The four-year-old has not raced since winning impressively on debut at Geelong and Mike Moroney is excited to have the son of Tavistock back at the races.

“He’s pleased me at home, he’s really well and I’m happy with him,” Moroney said.

“His last jumpout was excellent and he galloped nicely on Saturday so his fitness levels are good enough although whatever he does today he will improve on.

“He’s a horse that we have to manage but he’s got a lot of ability and we’re looking forward to him back to the track and hopefully a good preparation.”

Chawinda has her second start this preparation in race five, the Benchmark 64 Handicap for 3yos with Brett Prebble in the saddle and drawn barrier four following scratchings.

“I’m unsure how she will handle the ground and that’s my one query,” Moroney said.

“She’s taken really good improvement from her first-up run and is a lot fitter.

“It looks an even sort of race but if she handles the ground then I’m confident she will be in the finish.”

Quesadilla runs in race six, the Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1000m with Jye McNeil to ride.

“She’s racing well and holding her form,” Moroney said. “She’s only had one run on a heavy track and finished second so the going shouldn’t be a problem for her.

“The scratchings have helped and she only has eight to beat however, she’ll jump one from the outside which will make things awkward.

“As long as she can get some luck in the run I’d say she will be in the finish in what does look a very even race.”

Opoho Dreaming starts a new campaign in race seven, the Fillies and Mares Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1400m with Jye McNeil riding from barrier two.

“She won twice last campaign and this looks a good place to kick her off,” Moroney said.

“She’s had a couple of jumpouts to have her ready and she has a good record first-up.

“She’s drawn to get the right run and there does not look a huge amount of early speed in the race which could be to her advantage.”