A CLASSIC SATURDAY FOR BALLYMORE

Just three runners for us today with Bankers Choice missing a start in the Doncaster however, Japanese Emperor will bid to give Mike Moroney another Derby winner when he runs in the Randwick classic.

The Australian Derby is race nine and Mike gave Japanese Emperor (pictured) some practice right-handed in a gallop on Tuesday.

“He’s in good order and he seemed to handle the change in direction comfortably, albeit at working speed,” Mike said.

“He’s trained on well since his good last start third at Moonee Valley and Ben Melham is in good form too.

“He’s out in trip again but he got the 2040 metres strongly last start. He’s still not fully seasoned and this is obviously his toughest test but he’s a talent and class takes you a long way .

“It looks a good renewal with two Derby winners in the field but our horse is fit and well and he’s there to run well.”

Nerve Not Verve has arrived back to Australia in good order after her luckless second last time out in the Auckland Cup and she runs in race three, the Chairman’s Quality with Dean Holland aboard.

“She flew straight in to Sydney and has settled in well,” Mike said. “She won this race last year with 54kg and I think she’s going every bit as well, if not possibly a bit better.

The wide draw is less than iseal but she’s fit and well, a mare in form and I’m expecting her to be in the finish with ordinary luck.”

Closer to home at Bendigo Elkington Road runs in the Bendigo Guineas over 1400 metres at Listed level with Jamie Mott in the saddle.

“He’s racing well and although he finished ninth last time out it was in the Australian Guineas and he was beaten under three and a half lengths so a repeat of that will have him hard to beat here,” Mike said.

“I’m happy with him, he’s trained on well, drawn nicely with a good jockey so I do think he will be hard to beat.”