When planning the spring campaign of Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ) (Per Incanto), trainer Mike Moroney thought the Manikato Stakes might be a winnable Group 1 weight-for-age race race.
The Per Incanto mare, winner of the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington in the autumn, is set to run in Friday night’s Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.
Moroney reasoned with a number of sprinters in Sydney for The Everest, Friday night’s contest under lights would be an easier option.
The trainer was heartened to see Private Eye, who lowered Roch ‘N’ Horse’s colours in the Gr.2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington on October 1, fill second place behind Giga Kick in The Everest on Saturday.
“We thought this might be one of the weaker Group 1’s, but we’re probably going to be wrong, as they’re all hard to win,” Moroney said.
“It sounds like it’s going to be a pretty good field even though The Everest was on this week. There’s still some nice up-and-coming sprinters coming through.”
With Moonee Valley open for ‘Breakfast With The Best’ on Tuesday, Moroney said he did not need to take the mare over from Flemington for another look at the course.
Roch ‘N’ Horse ran fourth there behind Bella Nipotina, a likely opponent on Saturday, in the Listed Norman Carlyon Stakes (1000m) in August.
“She’s had a practise there and got around well enough and hasn’t missed a beat at all really this campaign,” Moroney said.
“At this stage I think we’ll be sticking with Patrick Moloney. I haven’t spoken to the owners about it, but I presume that’s who they’ll want.
“She’ trained on well. She’s a lovely filly to do anything with. She’s pretty push-button now.”
Moroney said Roch ‘N’ Horse would likely head to Flemington for the Gr.1 Champions Sprint (1200m) on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Besides her win in the Newmarket Handicap in March, Roch ‘N’ Horse has run second at her only two other starts up the Flemington straight.
