CUP RUNNERS ON FRIDAY

Day and night runners for us Friday with six horses at Benalla and Moonee Valley.

The Admiral starts the day for us in race three at Benalla, the Maiden Plate over 1606 metres, and his second start this preparation.

“He’s drawn nicely in barrier one and this does look a good opportunity for him to break his maiden,” Mike Moroney said.

“He’s had the run under his belt and his work since has been really good so I’m thinking he just needs a bit of luck in running and he should prove hard to beat.”

Milford and Emissary are aiming to add to our tally of wins in the Benalla Cup with Dan Stackhouse aboard Emissary and Jake Noonan riding Milford.

Milford is top-weight for the $125,000 Benalla Cup over 2046m and Mike is anticipating a tactical affair.

“I don’t think there is a lot of early speed in the race and we should be able to settle a bit closer with him today,” Moroney said.

“The smaller field will make it tactical but I’m happy with the horse, he hasn’t quite come in the coat yet but the race today will give us a good guide as to where we head with him.

“Tactics will play a part but he’s there to run well and I’m sure he will.”

Emissary (pictured) races for the second time in Australia following an excellent effort at Sandown where he finished a close second.

“He’s done well since his terrific first-up run,” Mike said. “He’s drawn barrier one now with scratchings and he’s up in class so it’s a good test for him.

“His work on Tuesday was really good, he’s improved fitness wise but he’s going to need some luck in running - if he gets that then I’m sure he will run well.”

Tonight we have Leiter, Sound and English King running with Leiter the first to go in the fifth race, a heat of the 955 metre challenge.

“I’m really happy with him coming into this,” Mike said.

“He’s drawn out but it’s a small field and while it’s a handy enough race our horse is training well and I’m sure he will run well fresh with ordinary luck in running.”

English King will be ridden by Michael Dee in the $200,000 JRA Cup over 2040m.

“He’s improving fitness-wise all the time and while I don’t think the Valley track will suit him we need to get the run into him,” Mike said.

“The trip might be on the short side for him also however, they normally run along at the Valley and it’s a good field it gives us a chance to get another run into him to get him ready for something longer.”

Jamie Mott is aboard Sound from barrier 10 in the 12-horse field.

“He does like this track however, he will be better over further,” Mike said.

“He looks great, his work has been good and it will not surprise me to see him run well, especially if they chase along at a strong gallop.”