Australian Guineas Day

It's a busy weekend ahead with runners on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday but hopefully there are some winners amongst them.

Our weekend kicks off at Moonee Valley on Friday with two handy mares - Zazparella and Milkwood - contesting the second race, The Pancake Parlour Handicap.

Fitter for two recent runs including an encouraging last start Moonee Valley third, Zazparella looks nicely primed for this assignment with Michael Moroney confident of a bold showing.

"She is fit and ready for this," he said, adding that it is the first time this campaign that he has felt she has been 100% - "we expect her to go close."

Also third up, Milkwood was a little disappointing second up but good when resuming and we think worthy of another chance.

"Some rain would've helped," Moroney noted, "but she can still prove competitive."

We saddle up three nice horses at Flemington on Saturday beginning with Saint Or Sinner (pictured) who aptly contests the Saintly Handicap.

Looking good winning his last couple at Werribee and Mornington in convincing style, the St Reims four-year-old is facing a rise in class but does look ready for a tougher test.

"He is going really well and at his one Flemington run he ran a great race," Moroney said - recalling Saint Or Sinner's game second to the classy Prince Of Penzance back in May.

Shenzhou Steeds lines up in the following event, the Roy Higgins Quality and has drawn nicely in barrier four after a couple of runs from tricky gates.

"He has finally drawn well," Moroney said.

"It is a strong race but he should run a long way better."

African Pulse, due to run in the ATA/Bob Hoysted Handicap, can hopefully also improve - likely to appreciate a drop in class after contesting the Lightning Stakes two weeks ago.

"He seems well but he has had his share of injuries - so you are really guessing a bit as to what he is capable of now."

At Wangaratta on Sunday Air Striker contests a Showcase event and after an excellent Moonee Valley third behind Sweet As Bro two weeks ago looks a top chance.

"He should prove very hard to beat. He has good form around the Kilmore Cup winner and he has been working well."

Space also heads to Wangaratta, suited by a rise in distance and by his barrier draw - 12.

"He has finally drawn out which is where he likes to be - he just doesn't like being cluttered up," Moroney said, adding that he is confident of an improved showing from the former Macedon Lodge galloper.