Port Royal hasn’t been seen at the races since November, but he showed decent ability during his short debut prep and can break his maiden first-up at Moe this afternoon. The son of Captain Gerrard placed in his first two starts and was last seen finishing fifth in Listed company. This is a drop in class from that and he looks tough to beat.
Aree Al is yet to run a bad race and strikes another very winnable one at Moe this afternoon. The Reliable Man won on debut at Cranbourne in August and has finished off two races well in the wake of that, both obviously in tougher company. He looks to be rock-hard fit for this afternoon’s contest and champion hoop Damien Oliver has options from the rails draw.
this afternoon’s Moe Cup ($12 at publish). The Mike Moroney-trained son of High Chaparral clearly needed the run when he resumed in strong company at Caulfield, but there was a lot to like about the way he hit the line for fourth in the Gold Nugget at Ballarat last time out, and he’ll only improve further into this race, and out to 2050m. There are several non-winners towards the top of the market in this race and I am happy to take them on with this bloke.
La Tigeresa has found competitive form this time and looks well placed to return to the winner’s stall at Moe this afternoon. The Jason Warren-trained mare mustered an impressive turn of foot to just miss at The Valley two back, before placing fourth in BM90 company at Caulfield last time out. This is a far easier race and in-form hoop Jamie Kah has been booked to ride.