Spring fancies head to Caulfield

Inigo kicks off our Saturday at Caulfield, the lightly raced and promising three-year-old lining up in the second event, the Le Pines Funeral Handicap over 1700m.

Having only his third start, the NZ bred son of One Cool Cat has caught the eye finishing off well in maiden company at his first couple and he is suited - being a grandson of the Auckland Cup winner Sea Swift by a step up in distance.

"He has struck a pretty tough race though," Michael Moroney said - "there are some nice horses in it."

"But he has drawn well (barrier two for Luke Currie) and it will be interesting to see where he fits in."

Another of our lightly raced and promising three-year-olds is Spitfire Lady who will contest the sixth race, the Group 3 1000 Guineas Prelude.

Always well regarded, the half sister to Sabrage impressed winning her maiden by 2.3 lengths start last time out and Moroney is confident that she will measure up in better grade.

"She will prove pretty competitive I would think - she is up to these horses and she just needs a bit of luck in running to prove hard to beat."

Luke Nolen rides the daughter of Hussonet for the first time and barrier seven looks a nice draw for her.

One of our Melbourne Cup hopes, Drunken Sailor (pictured) kicks off his spring campaign in the feature event of the day, the $400,000 Group One Underwood Stakes.

Having his first run since contesting the Sydney Cup in late April, the proven stayer did very well during his break, so much so that he "is looking pretty burly."

"Whatever he does he will improve upon," said Moroney.

Talented five-year-old Shenzhou Steeds is our final runner for the day, the Caloundra & Ipswich Cup winner taking his place in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes.

Not really suited in a slowly run race when fresh in the Group 2 Makybe Diva Stakes at weight-for-age, Shenzhou Steeds nevertheless ran a nice race and he has improved.

"He have been really happy with him," Moroney said, "he has trained on well."

Drawn barrier ten for regular rider Eddie Wilkinson, Shenzhou Steeds said Moroney, will most likely be suited out there.

"He is a horse who is better with a bit of room - and he should prove hard to beat."