RUNNERS TODAY ON THE HILLSIDE

Three runners for us on the Hillside course at Sandown today where the track has come up heavy.

Lottaroc runs in the first race, a maiden for three-year-olds over 1300 metres and Mike Moroney is anticipating an improved showing.

“I will say I was disappointed with his first-up effort at Donald as I did think he would run better than he did,” Mike said.

“He’s fitter today and has worked along well since, especially with the blinkers on, so the only question I have about him today is the heavy going but the race today suits so will find out. He finished second on soft ground in New Zealand at his first start so provided he handles the going today I’m expecting him to run a much better race.”

Rainbow Thief runs in race six, the benchmark 70 handicap over 1600 metres with Laura Lafferty’s claim reducing his weight to 57.5 kilos.

“I’m really happy with him, I thought he went terrific last start when Laura rode him into second place over 1600 metres on the Lakeside course in similar grade and he meets a similar field today.

“He is one horse who will not mind the ground, he’s fitter again following three runs this time in and with ordinary luck I think he will prove hard to beat today.”

Lady In The Sky is race seven, the benchmark 70 handicap over 1800 metres and again with Laura Lafferty in the saddle.

“She’s had two runs back this time in and she just got tired late here last start over 1800 metres,” Mike said.

“She’s fitter for today in similar grade and I’m happy with her. She usually takes a couple of runs to reach her best and she’s getting a nice weight pull of most of them today after the claim.

“The heavy ground is the query - she’s won on soft but if it gets really testing there late in the day it could make things harder. If the track did happen to improve through the day I do think she will run an improved race today.”