FEATURE RACE RUNNERS AT BALLARAT ON SUNDAY

We head to Ballarat on Sunday with three runners including last start winner Bonaparte and Gun Down in the feature race.

Bonaparte (pictured) won at Pakenham over 1200m in March and the son of Pierro has pleased Mike Moroney ahead of his seasonal debut.

“He’s pleased me in his work, he’s had a couple of jumpouts to get him ready and this is a nice race to get him started,” Moroney said.

“He does look to have made some nice improvement from his last jumpout and he looks particularly well.

“It looks a very even race but our horse is one with some upside so I’m expecting him to run well.”

Scratchings have reduced the opposition for Real Gent to eight in race five, the Benchmark 64 Handicap over 1600m where Michael Dee rides from barrier six.

“We’ve dropped him back in distance after he found the 2027m a bit beyond him last start at Seymour,” Moroney said.

“He’s as fit as can be and will likely be there on speed so provided he has a little bit of luck then he’s there with a chance.

“The soft track is in his favour and I’m sure he’ll be there for a long way.”

Gun Down has his second start for us in race six, the Gold Nugget over 1600m, with Michael Dee to ride.

“He’s possibly still one run away from being ready but the extra distance here will suit him for sure,” Moroney said.

“It’s a winnable race but I do have a concern with the small field and where the speed will come from.

“There’s no reason why he can’t win and if he can get some cover from the draw then I will not be surprised to see him run a bold race.”