BACK IN ACTION AT PAKENHAM ON THURSDAY NIGHT

Three runners for the stable at Pakenham on Thursday night after a rare two days off from the races.

Sweet Lullaby runs in race one, the Fillies and Mares Maiden over 1400m then Dodge City and Pedro Ximenez both run in race eight, the Benchmark 64 Handicap over 1600m.

Sweet Lullaby is having her first start and Mike Moroney feels the daughter of Monaco Consul will need time and distance.

“She’s a staying type of filly and is going to need a little bit of time,” Moroney said.

“Her last jumpout was encouraging as she began to pick up and made some ground over 800m which is hard to go here for a horse that is looking for distance.

“There look a couple of obvious chances in the race and it looks a nice starting point for her.

“They’ve listed the track as soft which should not inconvenience her - Monaco handled it so we’ll find out if she does.”

Pedro Ximenez and Dodge City are both in the same race and both looking for further.

Dodge City has the benefit of one run this preparation and Moroney is delighted with way the son of High Chaparral is shaping up.

“He looks magnificent, he’s bright and strong and just looks terrific,” Moroney said.

“It’s not far enough for him tonight and he’s drawn horribly so we’ll ask Patrick to go back and get some cover and look for him to finish off.

“If they did happen to go a good speed in front then I’m thinking he can finish off well and it wouldn’t surprise me if he got among the placings - he’s looking that well.”

Pedro Ximenez is first-up and, like Dodge City, is a son of High Chaparral.

“I’d say the distance is too short for him but we need to get him going so it’s a good starting point,” Moroney said.

“He’s forward enough to run well and stayers on the fresh side can pull out a good run fresh but I’d say that whatever he does here he will continue to improve on.”