GROUP 1 SATURDAY

Chapada, Tokorangi and The Good Fight will race at Flemington today on a Group 1 day.

Chapada run in the feature Group 1 Turnbull Stakes over 2000m where he will again be ridden by Daniel Stackhouse.

It is the third run this preparation for Chapada and Mike has deliberately kept him today’s trip with the Caulfield Cup in mind.

“It’s a strong version of the race as you would expect,” Mike said.

“I’ve wanted to keep him at the 2000 metres and he’s nice and fit for today. The draw is a little awkward and he will need a bit of luck to get in and enjoy a nice run.

“His last piece of work on Tuesday was terrific and if he can run up to his best I’m sure he’ll be competitive in what is essentially a weight-for-age quality race.”

Quality mare Tokorangi (pictured) resumes in race six, the Rose Of Kingston Stakes over 1410 metres with Daniel Moor aboard but from a wide barrier 15.

The daughter of Redwood has not raced since finishing unplaced in the New Zealand Derby in March but has pleased Mike in her Flemington jumpouts.

“It’s her first start in Australia, I’m really happy with her but she has a couple of things against her today,” Mike said.

“The barrier makes it difficult and she’s got the extra weight being a Group 2 winner.

“Ideally we would not want the track to get any softer, she’s had two nice trials, her attitude is great and if she brings her A-game than she will make it an interesting race for sure.”

The Good Fight is on the quick back-up after finishing fourth in the Ansett Class last Sunday when runs in race eight, The Bart Cummings over 2520 metres with a Melbourne Cup run on offer.

“It’s an interesting race with what looks like a bit of pace so it should be truly run,” Mike said.

“The soft track will suit him ideally and from the barrier he should get an ideal run.

“My only query is we haven’t backed him up before but all the indications are that he’s in good order and this is the race we have aimed him at so we’re taking our chance.”