Trainer Mick Kent is looking to Oncidium Ruler redeeming himself when he runs over a staying distance at Moonee Valley.
A winner over 2000m during the Melbourne Cup carnival, Oncidium Ruler has since finished in the placings in two rich country Cups.
On Saturday, Oncidium Ruler is out to make amends for a last-start third in the Pakenham Cup when he contests the 2500m-Bertocchi Christmas Masterpiece Handicap.
The Pakenham Cup was the race Kent had set Oncidium Ruler for when the gelding began his campaign.
“We felt we didn’t win the race we wanted to win so we’re going to give this a go,” Kent said.
“It’s a $120,000 race and I like the Valley for him as there can be a little bit of give in it.”
Oncidium Ruler is no stranger to success at Moonee Valley and lumped 60kg over Saturday’s distance under Craig Williams in February.
He will be ridden by Kent’s apprentice Ethan Brown, who is coming off a Sandown midweek double, with his 2kg claim bringing the gelding in with 57kg.
Kent has autumn staying ambitions for Oncidium Ruler and says after Saturday’s outing the gelding will go for a short break which has ruled him out of the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington on New Year’s Day.
Oncidium Ruler was the $3.40 second favourite on race eve behind Sydney visitor Imperial Aviator at $2.40.
Kent is testing Amadeus on the Moonee Valley circuit in the NJT20cricket.com.au Handicap (1500m) with a view to a richer race at the track later next month.
Amadeus won the VOBIS Gold Bullion at Pakenham on December 9 and Kent is eyeing the VOBIS Gold Star over Saturday’s course and distance on January 26.
“He’s trained on well since the other day and I thought I should test him out at the Valley, see how he goes and then set him for that race,” Kent said.
Craig Williams takes over from Luke Currie on the five-year-old, the $4.60 second pick behind Widgee Turf ($2.70).
Kent also has Data Point running in the Powerflo Solutions Handicap (1200m) and Leodoro in the Follow @TheValley Handicap (1000m).
Both will be ridden by Brown.
