Cooler at Flemington

A busy day at Flemington sees us making the most of the much awaited cool change with five runners kicking off with Mrs Hadlee (pictured) in the third event, the Birdcage Handicap.

Staying at the 1000m after a game second over the same trip down the straight on December 21, Mrs Hadlee has been kept fresh - performing well in a jump-out since that last run."

"She is at her best over a little longer," Michael Moroney noted, "but she has had that little gap between runs and she is going really well."

Shenzhou Steeds lines up in the following race, the Craftsman Handicap - with Damien Oliver to take the ride in the 1720m event.

"He has improved with the run," Moroney said of the six-year-old who was not far behind the placegetters when an encouraging first up fifth at Flemington on New Year's Day.

"Any bit of rain about would help but we expect him to run a nice race."

We have two runners in the seventh race, the Piping Lane Handicap - Surpass and Lordoftheparrots both to take their place in the 2000m contest.

Down in class after a sound run in Listed company over a mile at his most recent outing, Surpass will appreciate the rise in distance."

"He is getting up to his right sort of trip now," said Moroney, "and we are expecting a forward showing."

Lordoftheparrots meanwhile has proven a little disappointing at his two runs this time in although he too is suited by the step up in distance.

"He usually comes to hand more quickly but he is a bit older now."

Impressive last start Flemington winner Murcielaga is our final runner of the day, due to contest the final event - the Leonard Handicap over 1410m.

Damien Oliver will ride and Moroney has been very happy with the four-year-old's progress since his victory - "we have kept him fresh and there is a lot of speed in the race which will suit him."