Three at the Valley

 Ballymore saddles up three nice horses at Moonee Valley on Saturday - kicking off with the promising three-year-old About Square in the opening event, the Sportingbet Handicap.

Having only his second start in Australia, the lightly raced son of the late Refuse To Bend (pictured) was a close up sixth in the Gr.3 McNeil Stakes first up - finding a fair bit of trouble in running.

"It was a very nice run," Michael Moroney said, "and he seems to have improved."

"The only query is Moonee Valley for the first time - if he handles the tight track, but he looks a good winning chance."

To again be ridden by Luke Currie, About Square is nicely drawn in barrier three.

Darren Gauci meanwhile takes the ride on Red Eye Special who is also second up off a break - having run soundly in the Listed Slickpix Stakes when having his first start for us two weeks ago.

Like About Square, Red Eye Special also struck interference but his effort over 1700m was encouraging.

"The trip was too short for him but it was a good run," said Moroney.

"He looks a good hope and we will be disappointed if he doesn't show something up at the 2500m."

A horse who has always displayed staying potential, Red Eye Special when trained in Sydney was only just beaten in the Gr.3 Colin Stephen Stakes over 2400m before a close up fifth in the Gr.1 Metropolitan Handicap over the same trip.

Our third runner for the day - My Chicharita - is also having her second run this time in and whilst we were disappointed with her first up last at Caulfield, jockey Glen Boss was not.

"He said to forgive the run," Moroney reported, "that the track was just too heavy and the race not run to suit."

Adding that there had been an air of confidence surrounding the Gr.2 winning four-year-old that day, Moroney is hoping for an improved showing with the blinkers back on.

"If she brings her best form she is the one to beat," he said - pointing out her form around last Saturday's Gr.2 Let's Elope Stakes winner Zurella, a high class mare she has beaten home on a number of occasions.