IT'S A SOGGY COX PLATE DAY

Four runners for us on a soggy Cox Plate day at Moonee Valley

Roch ’N’ Horse runs in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes over 1200 metres from barrier 12 after scratchings with Patrick Moloney riding and Mike is delighted with the appearance of the six-year-old.

“I could not be happier with her, she looks absolutely beautiful, has come in the coat and she just looks magnificent,” Mike said.

“My concern is the track conditions - she will not be suited by a heavy track but we will wait and see - if the track goes to heavy then we can always scratch to save her for Flemington.

“The barrier is my one concern and I think our best chance will be to stay three or four wide with some cover and then roll into it off the final turn.

“She’s as well as we can have her and provided the track is playing fair she will be there and keeping them honest in what does look an evenly matched race as you would expect at this level.”

The Good Fight (pictured) and Nerve Not Verve run in the Moonee Valley Cup over 2500 metres with Mike happy with the weather conditions.

“The weather has helped him, that said it does look a strong race,” Mike said. “He’s a happy horse, nice and fit and looks very well so we’re happy to run in the right conditions for him.”

Nerve Not Verve is another to be suited by a wet track. “She’s got wet track form and importantly at Moonee Valley,” Mike said. “She’s fit and well and going really well, I’d imagine she will be on speed and she hopefully get a nice spot in running but we will see how the track is racing before making a firm decision.”

Buffalo River and Bankers Choice both run in the Crystal Mile with Buffalo River happy to get his toe in.

“He’s one who will not be inconvenienced by the going, especially if we don’t get any more rain,” Mike said. “I’ve kept him fresh and happy, he has Damien Oliver aboard and it will suit. It’s a strong race but he’ll put himself in it for a long way.

Bankers Choice has had no luck this preparation but has finally drawn a favourable barrier. “He’ll jump from four now after scratchings in what has come up a strong race,” Mike said. “Our horse is well in himself and I’m happy with him, drawing a decent barrier is a big help and he’s had no luck this preparation. The small field should suit and with ordinary luck I expect him to be in the finish.”