FEATURE RACE RUNNERS IN TWO STATES FOR US TODAY

Runners in feature races in Queensland and at home for us today after a winning Friday with the wins of Connecticut and Let's Say Grace.

Buffalo River, Milford and Toronto Terrier run for us at home with Buffalo River (pictured) in the Listed Straight Sis under Jye McNeil.

“I’m happy with him and I’ve always wanted to run him at this trip,” Mike said. “Now that he’s learned to relax the straight track should suit him and from the draw he can race up the middle of the track.

“He’s the best horse in the race with Group 1 form and I really do think he will be hard to beat.”

Last start winner Toronto Terrier is the first to go in the fifth race over 1600 metres with Jye McNeil to ride.

“He’s done well since his last start and he worked nicely on Tuesday,” Mike said.

“He’s a little bit fitter again for today and he meets Russian Dancer at the same weight as last start.

"He’s drawn ideally in barrier two to get the perfect trail and all things being equal I’m confident he will be in the finish again.”

Milford starts a new preparation in the eighth race over 1400 metres with Patrick Moloney riding.

“This is a good place to get him started and he’s done nicely at home leading into it,” Mike said.

“The trip is going to be on the short side for him but he’s a classy horse with a turn of foot. The wide draw means he will likely go back and I will be happy to see him winding up late and strong through the line.”

At Doomben we have Nerve Not Verve running in the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap over 2000 metres with Untethered over the same distance in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate.

“Nerve Not Verve’s in good order, it’s just unfortunate she’s drawn the outside but I’d be anticipating she can cross and race on the speed,” Mike said.

“She’s freshened up nicely and her best is certainly good enough to win, the start is going to be crucial but with a bit of luck I expect her to be hard to beat.

“Untethered has drawn better in two and he’s settled in nicely, a little more rain would have helped but with the favourite Kovalica coming out this morning it makes it an open race.

“I thought it was a strong run last time out at Group 3 level in New Zealand and the New Zealand form usually stands up once we get to 2000 metres and beyond.

“I think we’ll try and use the draw and be handy which will suit around Doomben and I’d like to think he can be competitive as we head towards the Derby.” 

Mike elected to scratch Swords Drawn from the Andrew Ramsden at Flemington for a variety of reasons. The horse is well and has options in the coming weeks which Mike preferred to wait for.