Two pronged attack on two races at HQ

Ballymore heads to Flemington with a nice team on Saturday and we are looking forward to saddling up five smart types including two in the Edward Manifold Stakes and the Bart Cummings.

But first we will be cheering on About Square in the third event, the Listed Vintage Stakes over 1410m.

To be ridden for the first time by Craig Williams, the good looking son of Refuse To Bend ran well below his best at Moonee Valley last time out but we are hoping - despite his awkward outside barrier draw - that he can find form again.

"He was pretty disappointing last start," Michael Moroney said, "but we have made a couple of gear changes so fingers crossed that makes a difference."

A horse who showed plenty of ability when kicking off his career at our New Zealand stable, About Square ran nicely in the McNeil first up and the form from that race has held up well with the runner up Kabayan taking out the Stan Fox last weekend.

Shenzhou Steeds (pictured) and Maythehorsebemagic are our two Bart Cummings race - that 2520m Listed event the fourth race on the card.

"We have been really happy with Shenzhou Steeds," Moroney enthused - "his work this week has been very strong and he should prove pretty hard to beat."

Finishing on the heels of the placegetters in the Naturalism Stakes last start, Shenzhou Steeds is proven over a trip - winning the 2400m Caloundra Cup by seven lengths.

Regular jockey Eddie Wilkinson takes the ride whilst Maythehorsebemagic will be partnered by Chris Munce.

Having only his second run this time in, the son of Zabeel is expected to improve up in distance.

"He is getting up towards his right distance," said Moroney who is keen to get him up over even longer - "he is an out-and-out two miler."

The stable has a nice group of three-year-old fillies this spring and two of those - Spitfire Lady and Zazparella - meet in the Gr.2 Edward Manifold Stakes.

"Spitfire Lady has an ordinary draw to contend with (14) and she was slightly disappointing last time."

"But Caulfield can be a funny course and we are hoping the better track will suit her."

Still a maiden - but a well regarded one - Zazparella may be looking for more ground but we are hoping for a nice Oaks type run from her.

"She is a really nice staying filly and if she is finishing off well we will be happy."