Gr.1 racing in Sydney

The stable looks forward to saddling up four runners at the final day of the Sydney Autumn Carnival - three of those contesting Gr.1 races.

Our first runner is Viking Hero, a promising son of Elvstroem contesting the $125,000 Gr.3 Frank Packer Plate.

Drawn seven of ten with Damien Oliver to ride, the three-year-old has been freshened after a set-back and on his best form will prove a force.

"He has had a slight infection since his last run which we have treated," Michael Moroney said. "This is a trial for him to see if we press on to the Brisbane carnival."

VRC Derby hero Monaco Consul takes on the older horses in the $350,000 Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Whilst he has drawn the awkward outside gate, he will be well ridden by Jay Ford who paired with the colt to win last Spring's Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes.

"If they go slow in the small field," said Moroney, "he may make an early move," - pointing out that the Sydney Cup had also been a possibility for the AJC Derby placegetter but the alotted weight of 53.5kg discouraged them.

Moroney could not be happier with Monaco Consul's terrific AJC Derby performance - "he has trained on well and we can't fault him" - and is looking forward to heading to Brisbane for the Queensland Derby after this.

Divine Rebel takes her place in the $400,000 Gr.1 Sydney Cup, a race in which she ran a gallant second last year.

On face value a bit disappointing in her lead-up, The BMW, she was beaten less than three lengths - muscle soreness detected post race.

"She had a bit of muscle trouble but she seems to be over that now and back to her best," said Moroney who is confident of a bold showing. "It looks a strong Sydney Cup but she is a good chance."

Stable favourite Mr Baritone is in the following race, the $300,000 Gr.1 All-Aged Stakes and he too can improve on his most recent unplaced effort in the George Ryder.

"He turned his head as the barriers opened and spotted the field a couple of lengths," Moroney explained - "and you just can't do that in a Gr.1."

"He will need luck from the outside gate but he will run his usual honest race - he never dosappoints."

Just the one runner for the team at Sandown - Abitofado due to contest the City Of Greater Dandenong Cup.

Drawn nicely in five with a claim from Jordan Mallyon, Abitofado was close up after a set-back last time and is bound to be improved.

"He needed the run last time and he has trained on well. The rain about will help and Jordan has won on him before."