Linton Street & Diyaraka kick off the weekend at Moonee Valley

Ballymore kicks off the weekend with two runners at Moonee Valley on Friday night - and they look to be two nice chances too.

First up is the tough stayer Linton Street who lines up in the third event - having his first go at the demanding 3000m.

A proven stayer who won the 2800m event at Flemington on Cup Day two years ago, the six-year-old has had his share of problems since, gradually regaining confidence since a fall in last year's Colac Cup.

Hard fit after three encouraging runs this preparation - expected to win last start but not ridden well (Noel Callow apologetic and declaring that he should've won), Linton Street is well primed.

Nicely drawn in barrier two with Craig Newitt aboard, the bay has pleased us with his track work since and Michael Moroney is confident of a bold showing - "he is going really well," he said.

Imported mare Diyaraka takes her place in the fifth event, stepping up in ditsance (2040m) at her third run in - and improvement is expected.

"Whether that trip at Moonee Valley will suit her is the question," Moroney said, pointing to her French victories over 2100m and 2400m, "but she is getting up to a more suitable distance."

We have just the one runner at Caulfield on Saturday - quality mare Hinemoa making her Australian debut in the Listed Sportingbet Sprint Series Final.

Having her first run since late February, the four times winning daughter of Elusive City has won at Listed level and was considered by the NZ team to be Group class.

"She has got a very good first up record," Moroney said. "She can miss the start on occasions though but she just needs to jump with them... we expect her to run well."

Our sole Pakenham runner on Saturday should also do nicely, Raise Your Pulse back to 1409m in a fillies & mares maiden.

"She just went out too hard last start over the mile," Moroney said, "so we've dropped her back in distance and she has drawn well - we are expecting a much better performance."

Just the one runner at Cranbourne on Sunday also, Tequila High second up over 1500m in the 0-68 handicap.

"His first up run was good enough and he has the blinkers on this time, he should run a nice race."

Satisfying to have the promising Crime Ofda Century in winning form at Sale on Friday, the lightly raced four-year-old resuming over 1213m and breaking his maiden in determined fashion.

Due to have been ridden forward, the son of Delago Brom was however slowly away and still second last before the turn.

Patiently handled by Jamie Mott, Crime Ofda Century took the splits in the straight to really find the line well - holding off the favourite Brother Bob.

"We expected him to run well," Moroney said, happy to have the well related bay back after a wind operation.

Jamie Mott was also pleased - "he fell out of the gates but he travelled really nicely and was strong late. He should hav a good campaign getting out further."

[07 Oct 11]

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