BERMADEZ BIDDING FOR A HAT TRICK TODAY

A relatively busy day for us at home today with Alburq, Bermadez, Keats and Philadelphia Storm running at Flemington and with Rainbow Thief in Sydney.

Bermadez (pictured) has won both his starts this preparation and Mike Moroney is confident a hat trick is a definite possibility in race six.

“He’s had a nice break between runs and the key to him is keeping him happy which is what we have done,” Mike said.

“Back a little bit in distance today but we’ve kept him fresh and to look at him in the morning he looks in great order.

“All things being equal if they run along at a true pace then I think he will be hard to beat.”

Impressive last start winner Philadelphia Storm runs in race five over 1400 metres with Zac Spain again in the saddle, having ridden him to win at Wangaratta just over three weeks ago.

“He’s done well since, I can’t fault him the way he has trained on,” Mike said.

“Ideally he will jump away in a better fashion than last start. Obviously it’s a big step up in class today but if he gets away on even terms with them then it gives him his chance and I’m expecting him to run well.”

Keats is building up to a win and he gets his chance in race eight over 1800 metres under Damien Oliver.

“He’s drawn to get a nice run and he’s fitter again,” Mike said. “That said he’ll need to be as it’s a strong race but he keeps improving and with Damien on today and with the right run then he is there with a winning chance.

“Perhaps a bit of cut in the ground will suit him better but there’s a good cover of grass on the track so he should be fine.”

Alburq closes out our day in the last race down the straight 1200 metres under Matthew Cartwright.

“The claim gets him in nicely and I think he’s in the right race,” Mike said.

“His first-up run was plain which was unexpected but he comes into this having worked well, he looks great and loves the straight so if he brings his best form then he is certainly capable of winning.”

Rainbow Thief has gone in search of soft ground to Randwick and he has found it, running in the last race over 1600 metres with Jay Ford aboard.

“He’s travelled up well and I can’t fault him,” Mike said.

“The ground will suit him and he’s got a few things in his favour. He’s nice and fit, come in to barrier two after scratchings and I’m confident he can run well at big odds.”