FEATURE RACE RUNNERS AT MOONEE VALLEY

We have four runners at Moonee Valley on Saturday including Sound and Chapada kicking off Cups campaigns in the feature Feehan Stakes.

Jamie Mott is aboard Sound and Daniel Stackhouse resumes his partnership with Chapada in the 1600 metre Group 2 contest.

Both are racing for the first time this preparation and have pleased Mike with the way they have trainied.

“It’s nice starting point for Chapada, he’s still a bit burly and I hope the track is not too soft for him,” Moroney said.

“He’s got a good record fresh and although it’s not his trip I will not be surprised to see him run a forward race fresh.”

“I’m pleased for Sound to have his first run this preparation on a soft track which will help him,” Moroney.

“The race is not ideal for him distance wise however, it’s a good starting point for him as we aim to get him into the bigger races later in the spring.”

The Duke Of Dubai (pictured) starts our day in race three, the 3YO handicap over 1200m with Jordan Childs riding and drawn the inside barrier.

The son of Pride Of Dubai made a winning debut at Sale over 1113 metres and Mike feels is open to the step up in grade.

“We expected him to run well first start and he didn’t disappoint,” Moroney said. “Clearly today is a step up into city class but he’s a horse we have a bit of time for.

“I’m not so sure about the draw and it could make things awkward if he is slow away in a race with a bit of form in it with eight last start winners engaged, including us.

“He’s trained on nicely since and while this is an obviously harder race it will be interesting to see where he fits in, especially at this time of the year.”

Aktau runs in race four, the open handicap over 2040m and is fitter after two runs back following a lengthy break.

“He doesn’t have any wet track form here but he hasn’t had a chance so far,” Moroney said.

“I’ve put him back to a crossover noseband and taken the norton bit and ear muff on.

“I’m pleased we’ve got a strong jockey in John Allen and the plan will be to settle back and finish off - if he can relax I’m sure he will be running on nicely at the finish.”