FEATURE RACE SUNDAY

A busy Sunday for us with runners in feature races at Benalla and Mornington.

The Benalla meeting was scheduled for Friday but is now being run today after a track issue and 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 withy 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.

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

Emissary 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.”

The Admiral starts the day for us in race three, 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.”

Five runners for us at Mornington with The Good Fight and Aktau in the feature R M Ansett Classic over 2400m.

Jordan Childs is aboard The Good Fight (pictured) and jumping from barrier two.

“He’s done well since his last start and in good order,” Mike said.

“Drawing barrier two could be awkward but he’s going really well and if it’s a truly run race and Jordy can catch some breaks than I think the horse will be very hard to beat.”

Aktau will jump from barrier three under John Allen.

“He’s drawn nicely in what looks an even field with his stablemate the one to beat,” Mike said.

“I’m hoping there is some speed on because the key to his chances will be for him to relax but if they decide to dawdle then I will not be opposed to him leading.

“We’ve tinkered with his gear to try and get him to keep his head down. It’s a race we’ve set him for and if he can produce his best then he will be hard to beat.”

My Diamonds Galore runs here in race two, the benchmark 70 handicap, in preference to Benalla and she will be ridden by Thomas Stockdale in the 1500m contest.

“She’s drawn barrier one which should suit in what looks a handy mares race,” Mike said.

“She’s come back in a stronger mare and her jumpouts have been good.

“There’s some improvement in her but I still think she can run well from the soft draw.”

Lady In The Sky is in race four, the benchmark 70 handicap over 2000 metres, with Fred Kersley aboard and jumping from barrier three.

“She’s drawn nicely and will be suited by the track,” Mike said.

“She’s had a jumpout since her last start to keep her up to the mark and she’s there to run well in what does look a handy race provided it is truly run.”

Snapper rounds out the day for us in race seven, a benchmark 70 handicap over 1200m with Thomas Stockdale riding.

“He’s only got six to beat after scratchings and he’ll jump from the inside gate now,” Mike said.

“He should get a soft lead and I can see him being able to skip away from them into the straight.

“He’s still getting there in the coat however, this race does look very winnable for him and I think he’s the one they all have to beat.”