BMW for Voleuse de Coeurs

Saturday is a big day for the stable with star mare Voleuse de Coeurs taking her place in one of the feature events on Golden Slipper Day – the $1.5 million Group One BMW.

Drawn nicely for barrier two for Glen Boss, the runaway Irish St Leger winner is nicely primed second up for the step up to 2400m and Michael Moroney has been pleased by her recent progress.

“She worked very nicely at Moonee Valley last Saturday,” he reported, “and she travelled up to Sydney well – and has settled in quickly.”

“I am really happy with her stepping up to her right sort of distance,” he said, adding that the five-year-old has come right on since arriving in Australia last spring.

The prospect of a rain affected track does not phase Moroney too much although, he says, he would prefer the surface not to deteriorate further from the slow reading on Friday.

“So far it is ideal for her but we don’t want too much more rain.”

Rhythm To Spare has not fared quite so well in the barrier draw – due to jump from an outside gate in the Group 3 Doncaster Prelude – but we are still expecting a big run from the talented four-year-old.

On face value disappointing in the Ajax Stakes at his most recent outing, Rhythm To Spare was inclined to over-race in the blinkers but they come off for this race.

“We really expect him to turn things right around,” Moroney said of the gelding who will also be ridden by Glen Boss.

Meanwhile back home in Victoria we have Nordic Duke and Air Striker both entered for Sunday’s Sale meeting and Tuesday’s Kilmore meeting.

“We will play it by ear regarding track conditions for both of them,” said Moroney.

“Nordic Duke is fresh and you would think he would be in need of the run but Air Striker on the right surface should prove hard to beat.”