AUSTRALIA DAY RUNNERS AT CAULFIELD

Poiema and Shiriki are our Australia Day runners at Caulfield with Poiema running in the Blue Diamond Preview for Fillies.

The Group 3 Fillies Preview is race two over 1000 metres with Zac Spain aboard Poiema (pictured) from barrier five.

The daughter of Territories finished fourth behind Philosopher on debut over 1000m at Caulfield on debut earlier in the month and Mike Moroney says deserves her place in the field today.

“She’s not one to be a flash track worker but she’s coped really well from her debut - she’s eating well, her blood is perfect so I think she deserves her place,” Mike said.

“Obviously it is a strong race as you would expect for this level but she’s a professional and should fly the gates and put herself there and it would be terrific if she can find herself in the placings.”

Shiriki runs in race three for three-year-old fillies over 1100 metres with Jordan Childs again in the saddle as he was for Shiriki’s last start win at Moe.

“She has done well since her win and while today is obviously a big step up in class she is a filly we have always had a good opinion of.

“She showed really good speed to least last start and I’ve fitted her with a cross-over nose band today to help settle her.

“She’s drawn nicely and has trained on well so although it’s a stronger race today I do think she can be competitive in a race that has four last start winners - including her.”