Barthelona Continues Ballymore’s Hot Run

The super impressive victory of Barthelona (pictured) yesterday made it six winners in seven days for the Ballymore team and boy what an impression he made making it two wins from as many starts for the son of Zoffany.

Settling at the tail end of the field throughout, Barthelona and jockey Ryan Maloney always looked to be in control, despite being a fair margin off the leaders, and in the final 300m the pair raced away to win by a comfortable 2.75 lengths.

“I think we did the right thing in putting him away (after he won his first start) as he wasn't that overly strong but still won his maiden really well. He's come back better and I think he's got a bit of a future as a sprinter," trainer Michael Moroney said.

Barthelona is a half-brother to Group One winning sprinter Under The Louvre, and like Sognani, Ballymore’s winner the day previously, Barthelona was purchased by Paul Moroney Bloodstock at the 2015 William Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

The winning run will look to continue over the coming days including Butler Butler (Commands) who will make his first race day appearance today at Racng.com Park.

“He’s well-schooled and switched on in his work which makes him a very interesting runner,” Moroney said.

“The 1200m trip may be too short, but he’ll take plenty of improvement for the outing and is another three-year-old we particularly like.”

Diamond Ring (Wanted) is another debutant who has pleased Moroney with her progress and feels tomorrow’s Maiden 3YO event over 1100m is an ideal starting point going forward.

“She’s a nice filly, big and strong, and plenty of quality about her. There are a couple of smart ones in the race, but it’s a nice starting point and we’d be disappointed if she wasn’t competitive.”

Chief Moondance (Foxwedge) adds to the tally of debutants and will take his place in the very next race over 1100m with the highly inform Patrick Maloney on board.

“He’s from a Zabeel mare, but has plenty of speed and while we think he’s in good order heading into tomorrow, the wide draw may go against him.”

Moonee Valley is the Premier Victorian meeting on Saturday and impressive last start winner Bonnie Belle (Keeper) will have her chance in Saturday class and will be partnered again by senior rider Dwayne Dunn.

“We can’t fault her work since her last run and from the barrier draw (1) we’ll look to ride her a little more forward then normal – even more so being at Moonee Valley.”

“The fall (two starts previously) has not really fazed her, but we just won’t know for sure until she gets in and among horses again.”

The final runner for the weekend is another exciting three-year-old in Tara Iti (Shocking) who made a good start to his career when flashing home late on debut over 1400m at Sandown.

“He’s a very nice staying horse in the making, it’s just whether he comes up this preparation or if he’ll be better suited to Autumn time, but he certainly deserves a crack at the spring.”