Moody poised to dominate Sydney on Epsom-Metrop day

PETER Moody's domination of Victorian racing over the last two years could well extend to Sydney today when last season's leading trainer tackles the group 1 double of the Epsom and Metropolitan handicaps at Randwick, reports The Age.It says: Today's meeting will be of significant interest for Moody, who could uncover anything from a Caulfield Cup contender to his first Melbourne Cup runner.Doubtful Jack, the horse that carved out a remarkable run of victories during the winter and early spring,

PETER Moody's domination of Victorian racing over the last two years could well extend to Sydney today when last season's leading trainer tackles the group 1 double of the Epsom and Metropolitan handicaps at Randwick, reports The Age.

It says: Today's meeting will be of significant interest for Moody, who could uncover anything from a Caulfield Cup contender to his first Melbourne Cup runner.

Doubtful Jack, the horse that carved out a remarkable run of victories during the winter and early spring, faces his biggest challenge in the $500,000 Epsom Handicap. But despite the sharp rise in class, Moody was yesterday bullish that the horse can re-invent his late winter form.

''I'm happy with him, actually, I'm terribly happy with him,'' he said. ''I think he's well placed and I think the bigger track at Randwick is just what he's looking for.' I don't hold with the theory that he's just a wet tracker and I have no fears of him going in the opposite direction. Perhaps the only niggling doubt I have is that he's been up for a long time, but he's in as good a condition as any of my horses.

''He's coped remarkably well with his racing and I think the question of where and when he goes next will be answered after he runs.''

Doubtful Jack, who will be ridden by stable jockey Luke Nolen, could find that less high-profile stablemate Returntosender is the biggest threat. Moody definitely thinks so.

''I think she's perfectly placed here. I like the way she ran home last time and she is a dual winner over 1600 metres and, with a light weight, she represents great value,'' he said.

The Metropolitan has often been a useful pointer to the Caulfield and Melbourne cups and Moody has targeted the 2400-metre staying test with former New Zealand galloper Mr Charlie and the improving Macedonian.