A trio of former Kiwi runners pleased trainer Michael Moroney with their jumpouts at Flemington on Friday ahead of their spring campaigns.
Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) heroine Roch ‘N’ Horse has returned in great order according to her trainer, who was impressed with her quiet hit-out over 800m.
“She trialled terrific, jumped away smartly and showed good speed,” Moroney said.
“Patrick Moloney rode and I asked him to give her an easy trial, her first one back but she still trialled terrific.
“I’m really happy with her and so was Patrick, he said she feels great, stronger in herself and more relaxed.
“She has really settled into Flemington now and everything is going well with her.”
In the previous heat, the trans-Tasman trainer was happy enough with Banker’s Choice but expects to see plenty of improvement from the gelding as his preparation progresses.
“He was in the first heat which was a sharp one,” Moroney said.
“I only wanted him to have an easy trial and he jumped away with them but when they quickened up after halfway he was a bit flat footed.
“Mark Zahra rode him and he was happy with him, he was just caught out when the sprinters picked it up but it was his first one back and I was only wanting him to have an easy one. He had a good blow after it.
“We haven’t done a lot with him yet and he’ll have another jump out, ideally over a bit further, but he’s in great order and we’re happy with him.”
Rounding out the trio was Not An Option, who is exciting Moroney ahead of the spring.
“He was terrific, I am very happy with him,” Moroney said.
“Patrick Moloney rode him in the Cambridge colours and was very happy with him and the way he is going.
“They went quite fast in his heat and Patrick let them go early and our horse was warming up late and beginning to run through them, so I am really happy with where he is at.” – NZ Racing Desk
