Mike Moroney might be favouring the easiest option for Tasman Park (NZ) (Ocean Park) this week, but he figures the time will come for the lightly raced galloper.
Moroney had entered the Ocean Park gelding in two stronger races at Caulfield on Saturday, but has opted for the Benchmark 70 over 1600 metres at Ladbrokes Park Sandown on Wednesday.
“It’s an easier option but the barrier draw (two) looks a big help at Sandown,” Moroney said. “It probably cost us his last two starts due to bad barriers, so he gets his chance up to a mile here.”
A winner of three of his six starts, Tasman Park drew 13 of 16 when a fast-finishing first-up fourth at Sandown Hillside, before jumping from gate 14 of 15 over the 1500-metre course at Hillside when narrowly beaten.
Tasman Park carries a rating of 74 into Wednesday’s race and Moroney said a win is important so as to advance that number.
“We think a bit of him,” the Flemington-based trainer said. “He’s bred to get more ground and he’s got a pretty laidback attitude. He got a bit hot when we first got him, but he’s learned to relax.
“He’s been given the right opportunity to make into a good horse, so we’ll see where he can get to.
“I’ve always thought he would get over ground and this time in he’s gotten stronger. There wasn’t a lot of him last time.
“The only query I have (for Wednesday) is if it gets too heavy, then we might have to wait until Saturday.”
Sportsbet has Tasman Park marked the $2.90 favourite for Wednesday’s race.
