Melton win will seal trip north for Curly James

David Moran’s already exciting Queensland winter prospects could receive a further boost at Melton on Saturday if Curly James shows his back to somewhere near his best form.

Curly James, with driver David Moran, could target Queensland winter riches this campaign. Picture: Stuart McCormick

Classy pacer Curly James is on trial to further bolster David Moran’s already exciting Queensland winter prospects.

Victory from a perfect draw (gate one) in Saturday night’s Lazarus free-for-all (1720m) at Melton would almost certainly convince trainer Courtney Laker to take the gelding, who ran seventh in the Hunter Cup earlier this year, north for a string of feature race options.

Moran is already counting down the days until he partners champion mare Ladies In Red and his own exciting four-year-old Captain Hammerhead in feature races at Albion Park.

Captain Hammerhead’s main target is the $350,000 Group 1 Rising Sun on July 13, while Ladies In Red is being set for the $150,000 Group 1 Golden Girl a week later.

Moran drives Curly James and trained him until Laker took charge in the middle of last year.

“The signs are good. His last run was a big step in the right direction and he’ll certainly get his chance from the draw this week,” Moran said.

“Realistically, he wants to beat a field like this, especially from the draw, to show he’s going well enough to head to Brisbane.”

Moran said Curly James’ form dipped when he developed foot soreness in the second of two runs during a Sydney trip in March.

“He ran really well in his first run up there, but then disappointed the second night and his feet were giving him a bit of trouble,” he said.

“That’s why his form hasn’t been as good as we know it can be, but I really liked his run last time. It feels like he’s been back where he needs to be.”

Moran said Captain Hammerhead, who is in career-best form with three Melton wins from his past four starts, was having a freshen-up before Brisbane.

Captain Hammerhead proves too good in the Hygain Pace for trainer-driver David Moran at Melton tonight. pic.twitter.com/WswjiXxFD5

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) May 25, 2024

“His next run will probably be on the 22nd (of June at Melton),” he said. “I feel like he’s made his case for a run in the Rising Sun, so that’s where we’re headed.

“He’s always been a big raw thing, but he’s really matured since going to Sydney earlier this year. It’s all coming together for him and he’s really impressed this campaign, especially that last win when he did the work and put them away easily in good time.”

Beyond Queensland, Moran wants another crack at the world’s richest harness race, the $2.1m TAB Eureka at Menangle on September 7, with Captain Hammerhead.

“He snuck into the field last year by winning The Singo and getting John Singleton’s slot, but he was still a big baby. He’s ready for it now and I’d love another go at it with him.

“Hopefully some of the slot owners have been impressed with him lately and no doubt they’ll be watching him closely in Brisbane.”

Ladies In Red, who boasts 26 wins from just 34 starts and more than $1min prize money, is expected to continue her preparation for Brisbane in the Cinderella Stakes at Melton on Saturday week.

Ladies in Red is looking for revenge over Aardies Express. Picture: Stuart McCormick

Moran is looking forward to a probable rematch with boom Kiwi-bred mare Aardies Express, who upstaged Ladies In Red on May 4 in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Menangle.

“She was too good that night, but I know Ladies In Red is better than that and might have been a run short. It’ll be great to have them clash again,” he said.

Aardies Express, who has won 15 of her 21 starts, will sharpen-up for Brisbane in a mares’ free-for-all at Menangle on Saturday night.

• Adam Hamilton is a paid contributor writing on harness racing for News Corp.

Originally published as Melton win will seal trip north for Curly James