A busy weekend ahead

Our weekend kicks off with Butwaittheresmore at Moonee Valley tonight, the six-year-old looking well placed in the second event, the Adapt Australia Handicap.

Having his first run at 3000m, the tough stayer was an excellent third at his most recent Moonee Valley outing - enduring a tough run but boxing on gamely over the final stages.

"He has trained on very well," Michael Moroney said, "and he should prove hard to beat."

Placed up to 2800m, Butwaittheresmore is bred for a trip and it would be great to see him back in the winner's circle - injury having curtailed his career.

Craig Newitt, aboard last time, again takes the ride from barrier six.

Tomorrow we head to Caulfield with hopefully two runners - Syndrome and Sazzana.

Impressive bolting in by five lengths at Sandown last Saturday, Syndrome backs up - having pulled up very well and again to be suited by the rain affected track.

"He loves the slow going and he looks to be a big chance for the double," Moroney said, happy with barrier three and with rider Lisa Cropp's recent excellent form.

Second favourite in the mares 1800m race, the third event on the card, Sazzana has been in consistent form this preparation and we are hoping she sneaks a run.

"The bit of rain about will help her and she looks a lightweight chance," Moroney said, adding that she has also accepted for Stony Creek Saturday - "we prefer to get a run in town but if she runs there she should prove hard to toss."

Also running at Stony Creek is Lady Lorne who steps up a mile for the first time, contesting the Fillies & Mares Maiden Plate.

"She got back from a horrible gate last start over the 1400m and ran on really well. She has drawn a good barrier this time and she looks to be a staying type in the making. We are very hopeful."

Runners at Cranbourne on Sunday also, starting with Lady Fleming in the first, a 1400m fillies maiden.

"She ran really well at debut," Moroney noted, "and we have been very happy with her since."

Itimio runs in the fifth race, a 1300m Country Showcase. Having not run since August, the four-year-old "will probably be in need of a run."

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

Don Sebastian (pictured) is the last of our weekend runners, lining up in the last at Cranbourne, a 1600m Country Showcase.

Not having much luck at his most recent outing at Geelong in October, he has enjoyed a short break with some time on the water walker.

"He has freshened up nicely and he should run very well," Moroney said, pointing to the four-year-old's encouraging first up form, a two length win at Seymour at the start of his last campaign and a strong debut second back in February.

Best of luck to all of our owners and stable fans. Michael flies out to Hong Kong on Tuesday night and is looking forward to meeting new stable acquisition Glass Harmonium who contests the prestigious Hong Kong International Vase on Sunday week.