The return of Sabrage

Ballymore's weekend kicks off at Moonee Valley on Friday evening with handy stayer Hiphopopotamus due to take his place in the Andrews & Parker Furniture Handicap - the sixth event of the night.

Nicely drawn in barrier five for Dwayne Dunn, the six-year-old strips hard fit for recent racing and comes of an encouraging last start third in the Werribee Cup.

"This looks a nice race for him," Michael Moroney said.

"He is going really well and we are getting a bit of rain now which will help him."

Hiphopopotamus has shown a genuine liking of the Moonee Valley circuit, last summer winning a 3000m event on the Strathayr.

Just the one runner at Flemington on Saturday but a smart one - the classy Sabrage due to resume after a slight set-back with an elevated temperature kept him out of last weekend's Autumn Stakes.

Due to line up in the Gr.3 C.S Hayes Stakes on a campaign that will hopefully take him to the Rosehill Guineas, the Randwick Guineas and the AJC Derby, Sabrage is likely to find 1410m too short but we are looking forward to seeing the exciting colt back in action.

"He will probably find them a bit sharp for him," said Moroney, "and he has a tricky gate to contend with - but it is a good starting point for him."

On Sunday the stable heads to Bendigo with two runners, Sandara the first of those in the Country Showcase Maiden over 1400m.

Facing the starter for only the second time - having been handy at his recent Ballarat debut, the son of Oratorio will appreciate a step up in distance and Moroney is confident that he has progressed.

"He had drawn a tricky gate (12) but he has improved and he should run a nice race.

Jamelden's Dream, having only his second run this campaign, lines up in the following race, the Country Showcase Maiden over 1600m.

To be ridden by Jamie Mott from barrier 4, the four-year-old will also be suited by a rise in distance although is likely to be at his best over even more ground.

"His first up run (sixth at Werribee) was good enough," Moroney said, "but the further he goes the better he will get."

In other stable news African Pulse is in good shape, Moroney electing to skip a clash with Black Caviar in Saturday's Lightning Stakes and head to next week's Oakleigh Plate.