Buoyed by encouraging jockey reports, trainer Peter Morgan is optimistic that Echuca form can hold up for his two stakes runners at Moonee Valley.
Three-year-old stablemates Amah Rock and Queen Of Roses, who both won their race debuts at Echuca on August 1, worked at Moonee Valley on Tuesday ahead of their respective engagements on Saturday.
Amah Rock, $18 with TAB Sportsbet, is first emergency in the Listed Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) while Queen Of Roses ($31) lines up in the Listed Adapt Australia Crockett Stakes (1200m).
“They both had good wins at their only runs, they have trialled well, and have impressed riders,” Morgan said.
He said he was more confident about Amah Rock than Queen Of Roses making the jump from a country maiden to stakes class but is keen to get a guide on both horses.
“They both have to take another step,” Morgan said.
“I think he (Amah Rock) can do it but I am not sure about her. Amah Rock might be a better horse and is better bred.”
A son of Fastnet Rock, Amah Rock was a narrow but convincing winner at Echuca over 1200 metres while King Of Roses filly Queen Of Roses led all the way over 1000 metres to win by 1-3/4 lengths.
Linda Meech rode both three-year-olds but Danny Nikolic replaces her on Amah Rock and Luke Currie is booked for Queen Of Roses.
Morgan said Amah Rock, who he believes has the scope to be a miler, impressed when he worked with his Group Two-winning stablemate Dusty Star on Tuesday.
“I think they went the fastest of the morning and both finished together on the bridle,” Morgan said.
Morgan said Amah Rock worked in blinkers but won’t wear them on Saturday.
“I hope I am doing the right thing, but I thought I would save the blinkers for another day,” Morgan said.
“Hopefully Saturday will give me a guide whether I have got something to go on with in the spring and whether we can start planning ahead.”
While he is confident Amah Rock would handle rain-affected ground, Morgan said Queen Of Roses would not run if the track was downgraded to slow from Thursday’s dead (5) rating.
He said Queen Of Roses floundered in a track gallop on heavy ground at Sandown leading up to her Echuca race debut and on Tuesday again didn’t look comfortable on the soft Valley surface.
AAP TURF
