Mike Moroney has two Easter Cup runners at Caulfield on Saturday but it’s a couple of lightly-raced stablemates in support races that can emerge from the meeting with big-race targets.
Moroney has veteran Wall Street and last-start Golden Mile runner-up Zabisco in the Group Three Easter Cup (2000m) while promising sprinter African Pulse returns in the Bert Bryant Handicap (1000m) on his way to a possible Group One start in Adelaide.
Zabisco winning Race 5 at Flemington - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia (Steven Dowden)
Four-year-old African Pulse’s spring was ended after just one start when the sprinter cut the tendon in a hind leg in an accident in the stables.
“Luckily it hadn’t severed completely,” Moroney said.
“It cost him the spring but hopefully we can make up for lost time.”
The sprinter is unbeaten in four first-up attempts but is carrying more condition this time according to his trainer.
“We’ve left him as a stallion and he’s still a bit burly,” Moroney said.
“But he’s done a bit of work, so fingers crossed.
“We’re pretty keen on going to the Goodwood with him.”
The Group One Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville is on May 11.
Three-year-old Murcielaga, who Moroney said was bitten by a spider last campaign, resumes over 1400m against his own age with Moroney keen to get him to the Brisbane winter carnival for either the Group One Queensland Derby or Group Two Queensland Guineas.
Zabisco and Wall Street finished second and fourth behind impressive import Jet Away in the Golden Mile last start.
Jet Away is favourite for the Easter Cup.
Moroney was disappointed with Wall Street but delighted with the run of Zabisco.
“Steven Arnold said Wall Street wants to get to 2000 metres so that’s what we’re doing,” Moroney said.
“He’s a Group One winner over 2000 metres so it will be interesting to see how he goes.
“The other horse (Zabisco) was terrific and this is his first go past a mile.”
