A BIG SATURDAY FOR US

A big day for us with Group race runners in Sydney, Tofane at home in the All-Star Mile and runners at Geelong.

Tofane (pictured) headlines our six runners at Flemington when the four-time Group 1 winner steps out in the All-Star Mile under Jamie Mott.

“I could not be happier with her, she looks fabulous and is going into the race today at her peak,” Mike said.

“I’m hoping she can get some luck in running from the draw - I think she’s got the best turn of foot in the race and if she gets a smother behind the speed then I think she will be very hard to beat.”

Last start winner Bermadez and Milford both run in race seven over 1600 metres with the in-form Patrick Moloney aboard Bermadez.

“I’m happy with him and he’s done well from his excellent first-up win here,” Mike said.

“He’s down in weight but up in class which is the conundrum. He’s drawn barrier seven so Patrick should be able to find to spot. Today will be a test for him but I think he’s up to it and with ordinary luck he should be in the finish.”

Milford is starting a new campaign in great order. “He looks terrific and is a different horse now after being gelded,” Mike said. “I’ve left the blinkers off him and we’ll see how he jumps away, if there’s no speed on and he bounces away then we might go forward,” Mike said.

“Whatever he does today he’ll improve on but he looks so well that I will not be surprised to see him run a cheeky race.”

Star Of Eden gets our day started in race three over 2000 metres with Craig Newitt in the saddle.

“The race has fallen away numbers wise and the scratchings have helped her chances,” Mike said. “The favourite is the obvious one to beat however, if she can get a soft lead then she can run well.

Heavy Duty runs in the VOBIS Gold Reef over 1600 metres with Jordan Childs aboard.

“The wide barrier is not a help and it probably forces us to go forward - going back makes it a lot harder for him,” Mike said.

“The trip is perfect for him and if he can relax and with natural improvement I think he can be competitive in what looks an even sort of race.”

English King is in the eighth race over 2000 metres with Craig Newitt aboard.

“Unfortunately he’s drawn the outside but the blinkers have focussed him a lot,” Mike said.

“I’m sure he’ll be better over 2400 metres but he looks well, is working well and I will not be at all surprised to see him run well.’

At Rosehill Nerve Not Verve is the first of our runners in the Epona Stakes over 1900 metres with Willie Pike riding.

“The question mark for her is going to be the ground. She’s in great form, is nice and fit and if it does develop into a slog her fitness will be an asset,” Mike said.

“She’s arrived in good order, I’m happy with her and if she handles the ground I think she will be hard to beat.”

Emissary tackles Verry Elleegant in the Ranvet Stakes over 2000 metres.

“The weather hasn’t gone our way and it’s question mark for him as he hasn’t seen anything like he will encounter today,” Mike said.

“He’s improving all the time and his work on Tuesday was excellent. Obviously he faces a task against the mare at weight-for-age but provided he handles the conditions I’m sure he will run well.”

Bankers Choice is in the George Ryder Stakes over 1500 metres with Jay Ford to ride.

“He’s travelled up well, eaten up and he’s settled straight in,” Mike said.

“Provided he handles the ground I think he has a few things in his favour. We’re very happy with him and all things being equal i think he’ll be hard to beat today.”

Heaven heads to Geelong to run in race three over 1700 metres with Jason Maskiell riding.

“I’ve added blinkers to her and she’s shown some nice improvement in her work,” Mike said.

“She looks terrific and if she brings her trackwork to the races I’m confident she will run a lot better today.” 

Jungle Jim is the seventh race and the last start winner is in good form.

"He's up in class again but he's racing well and from the inside barrier he should be able to lead again and give them something to run down in while it's a small field it does looks competitive."