Apprentice Daniel Malouf has his second city win in his sights with three rides at Moonee Valley, including Jetta in the Travis Harrison Cup.
Malouf, 18, has ridden 34 winners in his 18-month career and is building momentum, with most of his success coming in the last six months since transferring to Colac trainer Daryl Cannon.
City opportunities have only recently opened up for Malouf and from five metropolitan rides, three in Melbourne and two in Adelaide, he posted his first win on Orientaped at Sandown on May 25 and finished second on the same horse at the same track on Wednesday.
“It was good to get that win and I’m really happy with the way things are going at the moment,” Malouf said.
On Saturday he kicks off the day on the Bryce Stanaway-trained Crafty Cruiser ($21) in the W&P Truck Sales Hcp (2040m) and will ride Lady Rock ($21) for his master in the Variety Bash Sprint (1200m).
But the market suggests his best chance is Jetta ($11) who, trained by Chris Hyland, has been placed at her last two starts at Sandown when second to Gossip Girl on June 15 and third to Go For Home and Yokozuna on June 22.
“It is just starting to come together for him now,” Cannon said.
“He seems to be using his head in a race now.”
While apprenticed to Jim Mason, Malouf didn’t get the opportunities from other Caulfield trainers but was now tapping into Western District stables.
Cannon said there were still areas of improvement for Malouf but he was picking up the finer points.
“He has just got take his opportunities now and make the most of them,” Cannon said.
“All his rides on Saturday are all probably each-way chances and the mare (Lady Rock) is going well.
“She feels good and everything is right with her.”
AAP TURF
