Heading towards the weekend

A filly who has been to New Zealand and back is the first of our three runners over the next few days – Music Of Life due to make her race track debut in the 1100m maiden at Bendigo on Thursday.

A $55,000 Easter yearling selected by Paul Moroney, the daughter of champion stallion Exceed And Excel and imported Smarty Jones mare You Smarty Pants, has shown promise in New Zealand and the stable is looking forward to seeing how she performs.

“She has come to Australia in search of some black type at some stage,” Michael Moroney said, adding that the three-year-old “has won a trial in good style in New Zealand.”

To be ridden by Jason Lyon, the chestnut jumps from barrier ten.

Later in the day Devonshire Duke takes his place in the 1300m ratings handicap –assuming that is, if the track does not get too much rain.

Although some sting out does suit the five-year-old whose best form has been on dead tracks.

“His first up run was good,” Moroney said, noting that the gelding had little luck in running when resuming with a close up Sale fourth late last month.

Held up at a vital stage, Devonshire Duke was good once clear and has progressed nicely since.

“The 1300m may have been a bit short for him but now with a bit of rain about it could be the right distance for him second up.”

“In saying that if the track deteriorates he probably won’t run.”

We have just the one runner at Caulfield from Saturday but it is a horse from whom we can always expect a bold showing – the honest mare Spitfire Lady.

A mare who we have always thought worthy of black type, Spitfire Lady contests one of the features of the day – the Gr.3 Summoned Stakes.

Hard fit for recent racing, the daughter of Hussonet and classy mare Galroof steps up to the 1600m – and at her latest race over that distance she won the Rivette Final at Flemington in July.

Somewhat unlucky when eighth in the Gr.3 Maybe Mahal Stakes on Melbourne Cup Day, Spitfire Lady did a bit of work on pace and had to tire. But she was by no means disgraced.

“She ran her usual honest race,” Moroney said, adding that the four-year-old “always tries hard.”

“She was in the gates for a long time at Flemington and by her standards was a bit slow to get going. But there was merit in her performance.”

“If she puts her best foot forward she can finish in the thick of things on Saturday.”