Octavia Aims For Treble

Classy in-form mare Octavia lines up for a crack at her third victory in a row -the four-year-old contesting one of Saturday's Flemington features, the Group 2 Let's Elope Stakes.

Stepping up to 1400m for the first time, Octavia has pleased the stable since her latest win in the Group 3 Cockram Stakes at Caulfield three weeks ago.

"We just can't fault her," Michael Moroney enthused - "she is probably going to strip at her best on Saturday, she has just continued to improve."

Confident that the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor can run out the 1400m, Moroney said that she is "a pretty relaxed filly."

"I do prefer her back at Caulfield but we are still expecting another bold showing from her."

Also heading to Flemington is stayer Garud who resumes in the Listed Sofitel.

Having his first run since a Flemington fifth over 2600m on Anzac Day, the High Chaparral gelding is in great shape heading into his spring campaign.

"He looks bigger and stronger than he ever has," said Moroney, "and I think this is going to be a good campaign for him."

The 1400m is however likely to prove a bit too short for the six-year-old - "he will probably find the others a bit slick for him at this stage."

Our Sydney based galloper Muirfield has also accepted to run on Saturday - in the opening event of the Randwick card.

He will, however, only run if it happens to rain.

"Otherwise there is a nice race for him next Wednesday," Moroney said.

Promising galloper Marwood will be scratched from Flemington on Saturday - connections not particuarly in fear of the hot opposition but more of his bad barrier draw.

Instead he will be saved for the BRB Electrical Showcase 0 - 64 Handicap, the seventh race at Bendigo on Sunday.

"He has drawn better there," Moroney said, adding that the exciting three-year-old has pleased the stable since his stunning debut victory at Seymour on August 18.

"He has really improved," he said, "and he is starting to show signs that he is going to be pretty good."

"He has got a lot of his mother's attributes," he said - with good memories of Pernod's victory in the Group One Dubai Racing Club Cup in 2002.

That race is the spring aim for Octavia whilst Marwood, should he continue to progress, may have a crack at the Caulfield Guineas.

Also racing at Bendigo on Sunday is Donna Marie who can hopefully break her maiden before heading to stud.

"We have freshened her up for a drop back to the mile and hopefully she can go out on a winning note."