Glass Harmonium pleases at return

The stable could not be happier with the first up effort of Glass Harmonium in the Gr.2 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, the six-year-old import a stand-out in the mounting yard and really running up to his looks.

Caught wide for much of the race, hitting the lead a bit too soon, the good looking grey was left a bit of a sitting duck for the swoopers – Littorio catching him close to home.

But he was gallant in defeat – “it was a really tough run,” Michael Moroney said, “a nice way to open up his spring campaign. He has pulled up well and he will definitely improved.”

“Lisa Cropp said he tried really hard and that he feels better and stronger this time in.”

Fellow import Don Carlos, having his first local outing in the same race, also ran a pleasing race to finish tenth. “He just bottomed out a bit in the straight as I thought he might,” Moroney said – “but it was certainly a good enough run to look to the future with him.”

The stable saddles up three runners in the next couple of days, kicking off with debutant Crimson Lady in the 1200m maiden at Mornington on Tuesday.

“This is the third time we’ve accepted with her and the third time she has drawn barrier nine!” Moroney lamented – “each time we’ve decided to wait until she draws better but she has to start somewhere.”

Due to be ridden by Lisa Cropp, the well related filly (a Volksraad half sister to the NZ Gr.1 winner The Party Stand) has struck a strong maiden but she does have talent – “she is a really nice filly with a bit of speed,” Moroney reported.

Two runners at Sandown on Wednesday also – Linton Street and Shylock’s Daughter.

A well held last over 1400m when resuming, Linton Street was disappointing but he has progressed nicely since and is expected to show more stepping up quickly in distance.

“He went woeful first up,” Moroney admitted, “but he has been working well and we’ve put the blinkers back on.”

Also stepping up in distance second up from a short break is Shylock’s Daughter who contests the 2100m mares handicap.

Disappointing fresh, she is expected to improve although this run is a test to see if she is worth continuing on with this preparation or if she is ready for a break.