Michael & Paul cheering on weekend runners from overseas

Michael & Paul will be cheering on the stable's weekend runners from afar, both in Hong Kong watching Glass Harmonium contest Sunday's rich Hong Kong International Cup.

A new aquisition for the stable, the UK Gr.3 winner has fared well in the barrier draw - due to jump from barrier four.

Racingin managing owner Rupert Legh's blue and yellow colours, the imposing grey has caught the eye at track work and Moroney was pleased to have drawn a good gate.

"He will probably get back to around mid-field,"he said, "and he has got a really good turn of foot."

Purchased only recently for the stable by Paul, Glass Harmonium impressed him straight away - "once I saw him I just had to have him!" he said.

"He is a lovely horse," Mike agreed, "he has got a lot of scope and the girl who is looking after him here said she has been very happy with how he travelled and how he has settled in."

Closer to home we have several runners at Moonee Valley and Flemington this weekend - including Nothingbutthetruth who will run at the Valley on either Friday night or Sunday.

"He has been a bit disappointing of late," Moroney conceded - at this stage preferring to run him in the 3000m event on Monday - "hopefully the longer trip will help him."

Kicking off a new campaign on Friday is Isabelle Lass. Having her first run since July, the Niello mare is better known for her form over longer trips but Moroney thinks she can perform well.

"She is a nice stayer in the making and she has been going really well," he said - "she has really pleased us in her two jump-outs."

Also shaping well this preparation is another stayer Linton Street who resumes at Flemington on Saturday.

"I'd expect him to be run off his feet over that trip (1420m) but he his trial at Werribee was a cracker and the signs are there that he has come back well."

Second emergency in the same race on Saturday, Beatboy also trialled extremely well at Werribee and Moroney is hoping for some scratchings.

"He has returned in great shape and I think he'd be a sneaky chance first up."

Fitter for two encouraging runs back from a spell, Unbendable steps up to 2040m in a maiden at Moonee Valley on Sunday - looking well placed.

"He has been knocking on the door," Moroney said, : and he is getting to his right distance now."

He's All In makes his Melbourne city debut in the 2500m race on Sunday, the six-year-old shooting for a hat-trick.

"He has been in terrific form. This is a bigger test but I think he is up to it."

Comeback galloper St Culpe also heads to the Valley, fit after three very good runs back from a long injury enforced spell.

"He has improved with each run and he should be heading towards peak fitness now."

In other stable news, last year's VRC Derby winner Monaco Consul has been retired - purchased this week by Patinack Farm. We wish his new owners the very best of luck and hope that the handsome entire can make his mark at stud.