Runners in both Gr.1 Guineas

A quiet few days ahead with just the two runners this week - but we are gearing up for a big Spring Carnival with up-and-coming three-year-olds in both versions of the Guineas.

Drawing nicely in Saturday's Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas, the promising Quarterbar will race in blinkers for the first time and Michael Moroney is looking forward to seeing how the son of Oratorio measures up.

"They look an even lot this year," he said, "and being a colt it is worth having a go with him."

Whilst the lightly raced Quarterbar is likely to be at longshot odds in the Guineas, Brazilian Pulse is one of the favourites for the 1000 Guineas and Moroney is very pleased with how she has pulled up from her great run in the Edward Manifold.

"We think she is the one to beat," Moroney said, "she has an exceptional turn of foot and she is a push button horse who relaxes really well."

Cups bound Monaco Consul also pulled up well from his unplaced Turnbull run - the entire just not happy amongst horses from his inside gate.

"For him we need gates considered bad ones for other horses," Moroney said, noting that the bay recorded respectable sectionals.

"Hopefully he will draw a wider alley next time."

Our two runners this week look to be nice chances - kicking off with Stratocracy at Ballarat on Wednesday.

A promising horse in the making, the son of Stratum fought on well when runner up at only his second outing and Moroney feels that he has a good future.

"He will make it at some stage," he said - "the question mark is whether it is this preparation or next. He is out of a Pentire mare and has thrown more to him."

At Wangaratta on Thursday the Johannesburg 3Y0 Remy Martini makes his debut in an 1170m maiden and we are expecting a bold showing.

"He is a nice horse who has a bit of speed," Moroney said, "and he should be able to use that from his barrier (2). There a lot of first starters but he has been pleasing us in his work and his jump-outs."