EARLY RUNNERS AT PAKENHAM

Three runners for us on Pakenham Cup day with Nerve Not Verve, The Delphi and Wham taking part.

Nerve Not Verve and The Delphi both run in race three, the benchmark 78 handicap over 2000m with Damien Oliver aboard Nerve Not Verve and Lachlan King on The Delphi.

Nerve Not Verve (pictured) was brave winning last time out over 2040m at Moonee Valley and Mike Moroney has resisted the temptation to step her up in trip.

“I’ve kept her at the same distance, I think she can get out further but she’s taken the last win so well and this race fits in nicely time wise,” Moroney said.

“She’s drawn ok in barrier three and she’s best going forward but we’ll leave that up to Damien - Pakenham is a difficult track to lead all the way but she’ll be on speed.

“She’s in similar order to when she won at Moonee Valley and if she runs up to that I think she’ll be hard to beat.”

The Delphi will jump from barrier 10 and is getting fitter with each run.

“He’s still improving and I’m happy with him,” Moroney said.

“We’re looking to get him up to 2400m and today is short of his best but he’s getting down in the weights which is always a help.

“I will be happy to see him running on at the finish and the pace is strong up front then he could be a sneaky place chance.”

Wham runs in race four, the benchmark 70 handicap with Campbell Rawiller in the saddle but drawn out in barrier 15.

“The barrier is no help in what looks a strong enough race for the class,” Moroney said.

“We went forward on him last time and he ran well - if he flies the gates today he can press forward but otherwise he’ll have to go back.

“He looks terrific and is full of himself - if he can get some luck in running then I think he will be in the finish.”