A BIG SATURDAY FOR US AT CAULIELD

A big afternoon for the stable at Caulfield today with seven runners on a Group One day.

Alenquer starts a new campaign in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes over 1800 metres with Declan Bates to ride.

Mike Moroney has tinkered with some gear changes and has seen some improvement from the European Group One winner.

“He’s back a gelding and is a bit more settled,” Mike said. “I galloped him in blinkers with Emissary on Tuesday and he was nice and sharp,” Mike said.

“Today will tell us more obviously, his best form is good enough to be more than competitive but he’s struck a strong looking race, as you would expect, so i will be happy to see him run well and we can plan for the rest of the spring.”

Emissary and Milford run in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes over 2000 metres with Jye McNeil on Emissary and Patrick Moloney on Milford.

“Emissary just blew out late first-up but he’s come on for that. The barrier makes it tricky for him today as he will likely be back and he will need some luck. I’m hoping it’s truly run and while he will improve on what he does today I’m expecting him to run well.

“Milford worked nicely on his own Tuesday and he could not be any fitter. He ls also drawn wide so will need luck but we’ll leave it up to Patrick and he’s there to run well.”

Buffalo River and Bankers Choice in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes over 1400 metres with John Allen riding Bankers Choice and Celine Gaudrey aboard Buffalo River.

“Bankers is first-up but he’s had a couple of jumpouts and is ready to go,” Mike said. “He’s drawn to advantage, although he hasn’t got the best of records first-up I do think he will run well.

“Buffalo is at the crossroads. He’s fit and well but he has to show something like his old form and i hope it is today. He’s drawn to suit and provided he doesn’t get pressured on the speed he can run a race.”

No Secret runs in the fourth race over 1400 metres under Blake Shinn.

“I was not at all disappointed with her first-up run and she’s cone on nicely for it,” Mike said. “She worked nicely on Tuesday when Blake came in to ride her and he was happy with her so I’m anticipating a forward showing in a competitive mares race.”

Not An Option (pictured) rounds out our day in the last race with Mike taking advantage of Celine Gaudrey’s claim.

“He’s come up well and he usually races well fresh,” Mike said. “We’ve taken advantage of Celine’s claim to help him with the weight and I think he’s in well for a horse of his record.

“We will have to see how the pattern of the day is by the time he runs but I’m confident he can run well.”