ARCTIC STONE BIDDING FOR BACK-TO-BACK WINS

Two runners in the same race at Kyneton today for us followed by one tonight at Pakenham.

Iron Ruler and Rugged Woman run in race four, the Maiden Plate over 1875 metres with Blaike McDougall aboard Iron Ruler and Zac Spain to ride Rugged Woman.

Iron Ruler has had three starts this preparation and Mike Moroney has added blinkers to the son of Mongolian Khan.

“He’s still learning and I’m counting on the blinkers to help his concentration,” Moroney said.

“He led last start from a favourable barrier and he’s drawn barrier two today so he’s getting the luck there.

“He does have the ability, he just needs to harness it. I’m hoping the blinkers can do that, the extra distance should not worry him and he’s fit enough now to be running well.”

Mike has also added blinkers to Rugged Woman and is aiming for a similar impact.

“The step up in distance should be a help to her,” Mike said. “She’s second-up here, last start at Moe she got and the race just went away from her so we need to get her interested.

“I’m hoping the blinkers can do that, the wide draw is not a help but she’s fit enough to run well so it is really up to her to show us something today.”

Last start winner Arctic Stone (pictured) runs in race six at Pakenham, the Fillies & Mares Benchmark 64 Handicap over 1600 metres with Patrick Moloney in the saddle.

“She made all the running to break her maiden last start over 1628 metres at Moe and she’s drawn ideally in barrier two to attempt the same tonight.

“Obviously it’s a step in class but I can’t fault her, she’s done well since the win and I will be disappointed if she does not run well tonight.”