SWORDS DRAWN FOR BALLARAT CUP

Two runners for us today at Ballarat headed by Swords Drawn in the feature race.

The $500,000 Ballarat Cup is race eight over 2000 metres with Swords Drawn (pictured) jumping from barrier seven under Daniel Stackhouse.

On the seven-day back-up after running well at Caulfield in the Eclipse Stakes, the eight-year-old has done well during the week according to Mike Moroney.

“I’m really happy with him, he’s nice and bright and well in himself,” Mike said.

“Ideally the track will not deteriorate if the rain does arrive and if it remains good then I think he’s suited by today’s race.

“He’s fit and well and all things being equal he should not be too far away at the finish.”

Bermadez runs in the last race as the top-weight over 1400 metres with Craig Williams aboard.

“He’s second up with a bit of weight but we thought this was the right race for him,” Mike said.

“He worked up very well on Tuesday and is nice and bright and in good condition.

“The scratchings have helped with the draw and he’ll jump from nine now which is helpful. the weight is a bit of a question mark however, he’s the best horse in the race so I do expect him to prove hard to beat.”