Echuca & Mornington

Tempest Rock kicks off Ballymore's midweek racing action, contesting the first event - a 1400m maiden - at Echuca on Tuesday.

Having his first start since a Geelong second in mid-May, Tempest Rock remains a maiden after seven starts which was unexpected as the stable has always thought well of the son of Rock Of Gibraltar.

"We have always had a bit of time for this horse," said Michael Moroney, "but he has been disappointing."

"So we have given him a bit more time, hoping that he will get stronger - as wel think he is worth another chance."

"Whilst he is not 100% fit, he is forward enough to run a nice race."

Gaining a run as third emergency in the third event, Liberated Rose is being given one more chance after racing below her best first up.

"She too is a horse we thought highly of," Moroney said, "but she got very sick and nearly died and she has not been the same since."

A date with Glass Harmonium (whose first mares have already returned in foal) beckons for the well related daughter of Red Ransom should she again disappoint.

The third of our Echuca runners - Little Hero, who lines up in the last - also comes off a disappointing run but jockey Daniel Moor reported that he "just didn't go a yard" on the synthetic surface at Geelong.

Suited back on the turf, Little Hero wears blinkers for the first time and Moroney has always wanted to try him in them.

"We trained his grandam, the Group One winner Cannsea, and she was a horse who performed best in blinkers," he recalled.

We also take three horses to Wednesday's Mornington meeting, kicking off with Te Karaka who contests the Orbit Fitness Handicap.

An honest performer close up at recent outings, the son of High Chaparral is nicely primed for a rise in distance.

"We have been really happy with him," Moroney enthused, "and he seems to be crying out for some ground now."

Sagacious Flame (pictured) ran a nice third second up recently and she looks ready to run well in the Beleura Retirement Village Handicap.

"We have not been able to get the right amount of work into her for much of this preparation, but it was a really good run last time out and she is on the improve."

Bonny mare Spitfire Lady - small with a big heart - resumes in the Sportingbet Handicap and we are looking forward to seeing her kick off her spring campaign.

"She did a really good job last time in and hopefully this time around she can pick up some black type."

"She will improve upon whatever she shows but with Jordan Childs' claim and a nice draw (2) she should run a bold race."