WHITTINGTON TO DEBUT AT WANGARATTA

Two runners for us at Wangaratta on Monday with Whittington Stone to make his debut.

Whittington Stone (pictured) runs in the first race, the 2YO Maiden Plate over 1170m with Jake Noonan to ride.

Mike Moroney knows Whittington Stone has ability but is lacking experience.

“He’s been happy going forward in his jumpouts but has been a bit field shy when we’ve tried to ride him in behind,” Moroney said.

“That said if he flies the gates then we’ll likely let him roll forward. If you try and fight him he still doesn’t know how to relax.

“He’s shown us some nice ability but it’s the race experience he needs so we will get him started today. It’s hard to say anything about the opposition as, like us, they are all first starters.”

Colorado State is our other runner in race four, the Open Maiden Plate over 1590m with Nikita Beriman riding from barrier 12.

It is the second start this preparation for Colorado State and Moroney has elected to start despite the wide draw.

“We’ve decided to run him even though the draw is no help,” Moroney said. “He needs the run and is shaping as though he will be a stayer so he can take his chance.

“It’s going to be a rain affected track and shorter than what he will be suited by but I’m expecting him to be hitting the line well and then ready for a step up in trip.”