GIRL POWER ON SATURDAY

Just two runners wide apart for us today with Asteroidea at Caulfield and Livvy Lass heading to Wodonga.

Asteroidea (pictured) runs in race seven at Caulfield, the Group 3 Quezette Stakes over 1100m with Ben Melham riding from barrier three.

The daughter of American Pharoah won nicely at Sale on debut and while this represents a big step up in class Mike Moroney believes the reward outweighs the risk.

“I’m happy with her recent jump out and I’m hoping we can catch some of these other fillies that aren’t fully wound up,” Moroney said.

“She’s drawn nicely in what does appear a particularly strong field. She’s got some residual fitness on her side and is as well as we can have her at this stage.

“I’m well aware this is a big rise in class but it gives us a chance to see where she fits in and it will be a big result if she can get into the placings.”

Livvy Lass runs in race five, the benchmark 58 handicap over 2050m with Jake Noonan aboard.

“She’s been up a long time but is holding her condition well,” Moroney said.

“The outside barrier is less than ideal however, there are only eight rivals.

“The key will be to get her to relax and then come wide late which will give her her best chance we think.

“The ground should suit and it’s a winnable race if she can run the trip out.”

Bartherlona has a slight muscle problem and will miss his race today with a similar race open to him in two weeks time.