BUSY DAY FOR US AT BENDIGO ON CUP DAY

Four runners for us on Bendigo Cup day including two chances in the $400,000 feature.

Hang Man and Top Of The Range are both in the Group 3 contest over 2400m with William Pike to ride Top Of The Range and James Winks aboard Hang Man.

Pike rode Top Of The Range (pictured) into second place in the Adelaide Cup in March and Mike Moroney is delighted with the way the gelding is progressing this preparation.

“We pulled him out of the Moonee Valley Cup last Saturday in preference for this, even though he’s clashing with the stablemate,” Moroney said.

“As I’ve said before, he looks terrific, he’s stronger and I do think he’s in the best condition we’ve had him.

“He’s drawn out a bit which is a bit awkward but Willie Pike has experience on the horse and provided he can get a reasonable run in the race I’m expecting him to be right in the finish.”

Hang Man will jump from barrier seven and is primed to run a big race following his last start fifth in the Herbert Power Stakes over 2400m.

“We’re happy to try him at the distance again - he got a long way back last start and had to make a sustained run so we’re thinking he was entitled to get a little bit tired towards the finish,” Moroney said.

“He’s bright and well, there looks a bit of speed in the race and hopefully things should settle down and he will not have to be quite so far back.

“James suits the horse and the horse has done well since Caulfield so I’m expecting him to run a big race.”

Iowa Hawkeye gets our day started in race three, the Maiden Plate over 1400m with Dwayne Dunn riding from barrier six.

It is the first start this preparation for the son of Lope de Vega who has finished runner-up at his last three starts.

“It’s a difficult race to assess with some unraced horses in it but it’s a good starting point for him,” Moroney said.

“He’s a lot stronger this time in and, while I think the distance is possibly on the short side for him, I will not be surprised to see him run a forward race.”

Rocking Eagle runs in race four, the 3YO Benchmark 64 Handicap over 1300m with William Pike riding and jumping from barrier six in the field of eight.

Rocking Eagle finished strongly to win on debut at Bairnsdale over 1200m and Moroney is confident of another forward showing.

“He’s done well since his excellent debut,” Moroney said. “He’s not the most obvious hore on the track but in appearance he looks great.

“He did everything well first start and from the barrier I’d say we’ll let him find his feet in the run and provided he can relax and do things right then he can run well again in what does look a solid race.”

[30 Oct 19]

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