MILFORD GETS THE CHOCOLATES IN THE EASTER CUP

Following on from Hang Man last year, Milford gave the stable consecutive wins in the Group 3 Easter Cup with a determined victory at Caulfield on Saturday.

Taking advantage of the inside barrier, Patrick Moloney was able to position Milford just behind the speed set by Holbien and was able to make ground and be off the rail around the home turn.

Holbien dug in but Milford was up the fight and after the pair duelled for most of the straight and Milford got his nose down where it mattered to win the 2000 metre contest by the narrowest of margins.

Moloney said later that he knew to win the race, he would have a battle to get past Holbien.

"He's a tough old horse, Holbien, and he goes well around Caulfield," Moloney said. "I followed him, he rolled along at a good clip and the 2000 metres, Holbien probably just gets that.

"My fellow was eating up the 2000 stepping up from the mile today.

"He had a bit of a think about it when he hit the front. He stargazed a bit, but good to get the job done on this horse, who I've been on him last start and followed him through, so it is good to get the job done for Mike."

Mike was in Sydney to saddle up Tofane in her farewell in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes but assistant trainer Glen Thompson explained that Milford had came back into work a different horse after being gelded.

"He's come back better as a gelding," Thompson said. "He showed a fair bit early on in New Zealand winning a Listed race and running second in the New Zealand Derby but lost his way a bit as a colt.

"He came back last time as a gelding but struggled a little bit. Mike was patient and gave him time out in the paddock and he's come back great this prep and I thought he presented beautifully for this race.

"It just looked like he was crying out for the 2000 metres and he showed that today."