THREE RUNNERS IN THE SYDNEY CUP TODAY

Feature race runners in two states including three runners in the Sydney Cup.

Vengeur Masque (pictured), Sound and Top Of The Range all run in the Sydney Cup (Gr 1) over 3200m at Randwick while Milwaukee and Wham run at Caulfield.

Vengeur Masque was unplaced last start in the Chairman’s Handicap on an unsuitable soft track but will be much better suited on a firmer surface on Saturday according to Mike Moroney.

“He had a tough run on unsuitable ground last week but he appears to have come through it well,” Moroney said. “He’s eaten up and looks bright and well.

“He’s just done some pacework since and he’ll be a lot better suited by a drier track, it’s unfortunate we’ve drawn awkwardly but it is what it is.

“He couldn’t be any fitter and with some luck in running then I expect him to run extremely well.”

Damian Lane is riding Sound which finished fourth last start in the Tancred Stakes (Gr 1) over 2400m.

“He’s come through the last run in great order and looks terrific,” Moroney said. “His work on Tuesday was excellent and it looks like things are going the right way.

“We know he can get the trip and going right-handed so with some ordinary luck I expect him to be very competitive.”

Michael Dee will be aboard Top Of The Range which finished runner-up in the Adelaide Cup over 3200m at his last start.

“He’s travelled up well and looks great,” Moroney said. “He did the same over to Adelaide and ran well so that’s a good sign.

“He’s up against some better horses here but he’s rock hard fit and has no weight on his back so I’d say he can be competitive.”

At Caulfield Milwaukee runs in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes over 1100m with Nikita Beriman to ride from barrier seven.

Milwaukee resumed from a long break with a solid sixth in the Listed Hareeba Stakes over 1200m at Mornington on March 23.

“He’s in great order for his second up run,” Moroney said. “Dropping back to the 1100m is not ideal but this was the only viable option we had.

“He will find the favourite Eduardo hard to beat but he will run very well and is definitely an each way-chance.”

Wham has thrived since his unlucky last start fourth in the Bendigo Guineas and he runs in race six, he Super VOBIS 3YO Handicap over 1440m with Nikita Beriman riding from barrier five.

“His work since has been very good and we couldn’t be happier with him.” Moroney said.

“We’ve always had a good opinion of him and his last start was terrific under the circumstances. Provided he copes with the track and with a better barrier draw I feel he is a strong winning chance.”

[13 Apr 19]

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