With race day approaching for another of the internationals and hopefully another, two others had their first looks at Moonee Valley towards their Spring Carnival aim in nine days time, says Racing Victoria.
LUCKY NINE: A slow trot and canter over 1200-metres this morning. At this stage the stable is uncertain whether they will head to Moonee Valley on Tuesday morning for another gallop. (First run: Sportingbet Manikato Stakes, 1200m, 25 October)
DANDINO: The final piece of work for the Marco Botti-trained gelding before Saturday’s run. Cantered over a mile and stronger down the straight. Track rider Paul Francis continues to be happy with the horse despite being a little despondent over drawing a wide barrier. That, however, is being helped by Craig Williams’ confidence in the horse’s ability. (Saturday: Race 10 BMW Caulfield Cup, 2400m,)
SIMENON: A quiet morning with a canter over about a mile. Just going about it’s business very quietly at the moment with a little less than three weeks until his next race outing. (Next run: Emirates Melbourne Cup, 3200m, 5 November)
SIDE GLANCE: Side Glance ventured to Moonee Valley this morning for a first look at the course. Ridden by Craig Williams, he reported that the saddle slipped just as the work was getting underway so the horse couldn’t be pushed too hard. Although that was unfortunate, the positive was that Side Glance did get to have a good look at the track to familiarise himself with the surroundings. Side Glance isn’t likely to head back there for next week’s Breakfast with the Best. (First run: Sportingbet Cox Plate, 2040m, 26 October)
MULL OF KILLOUGH: Also headed to Moonee Valley this morning. Worked over about 1400-metres. Track clocker Warren Huntly timed the work at even time for the majority and steady work home in just over 26-seconds. Jockey Steven Arnold was satisfied with the work as was trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam. The horse was also having a good look around the track and because of that he is likely to head back to the Valley next Tuesday morning. (First run: Sportingbet Cox Plate, 2040m, 26 October)
RUSCELLO: After running an excellent second placing at Caulfield yesterday, track rider Sammy Cobley reports that Ruscello has “pulled up very well and that he is a winner in our eyes”. She says that he handled the run really well particularly that he fought back towards the line after being headed and having to do so much work throughout the run. A next run is yet to be decided but a visit to Flemington is under consideration. (Possible next run: Group 2 Lexus Stakes, 2500m, 2 November)
TREVIERES: Cantered over a mile this morning clicked up from the 400-metres. They are just keeping this one ticking over for now after the second placed effort in the Toorak Hanidcap. (Possible next start: Group 2 Crystal Mile, 1600m, 26 October)
FORGOTTEN VOICE: First emergency for the Caulfield Cup. A canter over about a mile this morning with another trot and canter over 1300-metres, clicked up from the 1000 and kept going to the line. Track rider Ryan O’Reilly is very happy with where the horse is at so much so that he “would be disappointed if he doesn’t run in the placings where ever he goes”. The plan is still to have a faster gallop on Saturday and look towards the Geelong Cup next Wednesday. (Hopeful first run: BMW Caulfield Cup, 2400m, Saturday)
Click here to view the profiles for all of the international contenders and here for the BMW Caulfield Cup field including Dandino and Forgotten Voice.