Doug Harrison has every reason to be looking forward to heading to Moonee Valley on Saturday.
The Cranbourne trainer has a stunning strike rate at the Melbourne track this season, preparing seven winners from just 16 runners.
“It’s been a good run. I’m calling it Happy Valley,” Harrison said.
Harrison prepared a winning double in the first meeting at Moonee Valley in two months last Wednesday week, and both Queen Delight and Alrouz will be back on Saturday trying to repeat the feat.
Queen Delight hadn’t had any joy in her previous trips to Moonee Valley, including being scratched at the barriers, and Harrison thought it was going to continue last start when the mare was trapped deep in a 1000m race.
However, the five-year-old kicked strongly to defeat Johannapine in a photo finish.
“She was caught practically six deep and I think Dwayne Dunn was working out what he was going to tell me,” Harrison said.
“But he said she just picked up and it was a terrific win. The horse she beat, Johannapine, goes pretty well and they beat the rest pretty easily.”
All five of Queen Delight’s career wins have been over 1000m but Harrison believes the mare will be able to handle the 1200m in the Sportingbet Handicap.
“I think she should be able to run well again,” he said.
Alrouz has played his part in two Moonee Valley doubles for Harrison this season.
He tackles open company in the Printhouse Graphics Handicap (2040m) and Harrison has called on 3kg claiming apprentice Jye McNeil to ride.
McNeil rode his first city winner at Sandown on Wednesday.
“Alrouz has always had a lot of ability but probably had to get mentally tough and I think he’s starting to do that now,” the trainer said.
“I’m hoping if he can get through this race and is lucky enough to win, he might be a lightweight chance in some of the country Cups in the spring.”