NEW CAMPAIGNS STARTING AT MOONEE VALLEY TODAY

Sound and Nerve Not Verve start new campaigns today at Moonee Valley but Poland is staying at home.

Sound (pictured) is the first to go in the feature race of the day, the Group 2 Feehan Stakes over 1600 metres with Jamie Mott in the saddle.

It is the first start for the now 10-year-old stallion since finishing third in the Auckland Cup over 3200 metres in March and Mike Moroney is happy with the way Sound has prepared for this race.

“He kicked off in this race last year and he’s found a small field today,” Mike said. “I know the trip is on the sharp side for him and it could well be slowly run early and then a sprint home which will not suit.

“I could not he happier with the horse, he looks terrific, good in the coat and his action is great so it will be no surprise to me to see him run well but this is a good race to get him going and it’s terrific to see him back at the races.”

Nerve Not Verve runs in the eighth race over 1600 metres with Mike taking advantage of Alana Kelly’s claim.

“I’m happy with her, she’s going nicely at home but she has never run well first-up,” Mike said.

“She’s still got some residual fitness from her last preparation and she’s fit enough for today. That said even though it does not look the strongest of fields it will surprise me to see her win and I’ll be happy if she can finish in the first five.”

Poland has been scratched from the Chautauqua Stakes for which he was an emergency. “The horse is fine, there’s a race for him next week at Flemington so hopefully he can get a start there.”