Ballymore saddle up two runners in the Gr.1 Underwood Stakes

It is always a privilege to saddle up a Gr.1 runner and at Caulfield on Saturday we are really looking forward to contesting the day’s feature event, the $350,000 Underwood Stakes, with two of our best gallopers – Glass Harmonium and Brazilian Pulse.

Both horses, already proven at Gr.1 level, are in fine fettle with Lisa Cropp due to ride Glass Harmonium whilst Craig Newitt is aboard Brazilian Pulse.

Second up after a gutsy performance to finish runner in the Gr.2 Makybe Diva Stakes, Glass Harmonium has derived great benefit from the run.

“He has just kept progressing,” Michael Moroney said. “We are very happy with him and he should figure right in the finish.”

The Turnbull Stakes will be the import’s next start after the Underwood, a decision to be made after that race as to where he goes from there.

Brazilian Pulse has also pleased the stable with her work and looks set to improve at her third run in.

“This is the first time we’ve taken her to the races without any glitches along the way,” Moroney said. “We’ve been able to get the right amount of work into her and her work has better – hopefully she can turn her form right around.”

Sunday is a busy day for the stable with four very nice horses heading to the provincials.

“We are taking some our nicer horses to Ballarat,” Moroney said, “so it should be a good day.”

The first of the team to race will be Kenamon Belle who debuts in the opening event, the 1200m fillies and mares maiden – Lisa Cropp to ride.

“She has a tricky draw (13),” Moroney conceded, “but she is probably the pick of our three-year-old fillies.”

A well related daughter of Reset, Kenamon Belle is amongst the nominations for the 1000 Guineas.

Also well regarded is Saint Pulse who lines up in the second event, the 1400m maiden with Lisa Cropp again the rider.

Sound at debut after racing without cover, the son of Aussie Rules has shown the stable plenty in track work and an even better showing is expected.

“He was a bit new at his first start but if he puts his best foot forward this time he should prove hard to beat – we have a good opinion of him.”

Derby bound gelding The Deep South, only just pipped when resuming at Seymour, runs in the third race, the 1600m maiden with Lisa Cropp having to overcome an awkward draw (12).

“It looks a reasonable field,” Moroney said, “but we were happy with his first up run and he is a nice staying horse in the making – the further he gets the better he will get.”

Surface Tension is the last of our Ballarat quartet, the last start easy maiden winner at the same track stepping up to 2200m in the Country Showcase event.

“He won really well last start and it will be interesting to see him over a bit more ground – he does look like an out-and-out stayer and I think he is one of more progressive staying types.”