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Malaguerra chasing Moir success - unless Everest comes calling

Brad Waters - Monday Sep 18

The Group I Moir Stakes is the first-up target for dual Group I winner Malaguerra unless a phone call convinces connections to head elsewhere.

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Malaguerra is set to return at a Moonee Valley night meeting.

Malaguerra claimed the Group I BTC Cup last May and Darley Classic in the spring but the Peter Gelagotis stable says the son of Magnus has not featured in discussion for The Everest at Randwick next month.

Stable manager Manny Gelagotis said a trial at Cranbourne on Monday had Malaguerra ready for a first-up crack at the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 29 should no Everest discussion arise.

"We didn't have The Everest in mind but if a slot holder was keen on him, he could even be considered for that as well," Gelagotis said.

"At this stage, he'll be going towards the Moir and that's his goal first-up.

"We'd entertain a phone call and it's all about timing so it's a discussion we'd certainly have."

Regular rider Ben Melham was aboard Malaguerra in Monday's 800m trial in which the son of Magnus raced behind the speed before closing easily to finish second to the Mick Price-trained Bassett in 50.22 seconds.

While Melham did not ask Malaguerra for any serious effort in the heavy-track trial, Gelagotis said the gelding lived up to stable expectations.

"He trialled really well as he always does and he's definitely going to the Moir first-up," Gelagotis said.

"There is a bit to play out but he's on schedule and he can go wherever he needs to go really."

Gelagotis was equally pleased with the effort of Group II winner Illustrious Lad, who finished second to the Robbie Griffiths-trained Selenia in the third heat of the morning in 49.11 seconds.

"He might have another trial and then go to the Schillaci (Stakes) first-up," Gelagotis said of Illustrious Lad.

The Schillaci Stakes will be held at Caulfield on October 14.

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