OCEAN CHIEF BIDDING FOR BACK-TO-BACK WINS

Three runners for us today with Hayley and Strong Lady heading to Kilmore and Ocean Chief at Pakenham tonight.

Hayley is in race one, the 3YO Maiden Plate over 1107 metres with Jordan Childs aboard and the Mike Moroney says the daughter of Sooboog is ready to start her second racing preparation.

“She’s had two jumpouts here to have her ready and I’m happy with the way she has trialled up,” Mike said.

“Her last jumpout she was up against some horses that have won in the city and she was on speed all the way.

“She’s drawn well enough here in five and it looks a nice race to get her started, hard to gauge the opposition who are all similar to her but she’s there to run well on her second race start.”

Strong Lady runs in race three, the Maiden Plate over 1457 metres, jumping from barrier six under Daniel Stackhouse.

“I’ve put blinkers on her and the extra distance today will help her,” Mike said.

“She has improved her work in the blinkers and whatever she does today she will improve on but it’s up to her now to show us enough to continue on so I’m hoping she can do that today.”

Ocean Chief (pictured) runs in race eight tonight, the benchmark 64 Handicap over 1600 metres where the last start winner will be ridden by Jordan Childs with seven rivals.

“He’s done well since the last win here at Pakenham and I’ve added the blinkers back on for tonight,” Mike said.

“I think he needs the blinkers to help him concentrate, he still did things wrong last start but was good enough to win. He’s up in grade now and I think they will help him to relax in front if he can get the lead.

“It’s a strong enough race for this level but he will be suited by the track and if he can get the lead and relax then I’m sure he will run well and another win will not surprise.”