Alenquer will have a serious hit-out in blinkers to prepare for the All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley
All Star Mile contender Alenquer will wear blinkers in a jump-out at Flemington to determine whether the head gear will be worn at Moonee Valley.
The French-bred former European galloper is set to make his Australian debut in the $5 million All Star Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley on March 18.
Alenquer has had two jump-outs at Flemington in preparation for his first outing in Australia, but trainer Mike Moroney wants to see if the five-year-old entire requires blinkers on race day.
Moroney said Alenquer wore the headgear when he last raced and Friday’s 1200m jump-out will be the entire’s most serious piece of work since his arrival in Australia.
“First thoughts are, on what I’ve seen of him, I’m happy without the blinkers, but being a colt he’s quite casual so I can see the reason why they have put them on,” Moroney said.
“He had his first look at The Valley on Sunday and got around it well. He’s a pretty casual colt and will only do as much as you want to.”
Moroney said Alenquer reminded him of Group 1 winner Glass Harmonium who was placed in the Group 1 Doomben Cup and won the Group 2 Eagle Farm Cup within his first three runs in Australia.
He said being a well-travelled galloper, having raced in two Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe’s and winning the Group 1 Tatt’s Gold Cup in Ireland had helped Alenquer settle into his new surrounds at Flemington.
“He’s been straight forward and hasn’t put a foot wrong all the way through,” Moroney said.
Moroney hopes to have Alenquer back at Moonee Valley later in the year for the Group 1 Cox Plate, but first there is a Sydney campaign, provided the tracks are not too wet.
“This will be a good starting point for him. It gives him a look around Moonee Valley and kills two birds with one stone,” Moroney said.
“He’ll go there Tuesday for another look there and if he brings his European form, he’s well up to our Group 1 horses.”
