Raceday focus: Michael Manley previews Wangaratta

TRAINER Michael Moroney is expecting Chapada to show he’s worthy of a tilt at the Victoria Derby when he lines up in a maiden at Wangaratta.

TRAINER Michael Moroney is expecting Chapada to show he’s worthy of a tilt at the Victoria Derby when he lines up in a maiden at Wangaratta.

Herald Sun form analyst Michael Manley agrees with Moroney’s assessment of the three-year-old, who hasn’t had much luck in his two starts.

BEST BET

CHAPADA (R1, No.8)

His two runs have been sound and Mike Moroney has a big opinion of him. Should break his maiden status in this.

NEXT BEST

MELLORS (R4, No.3)

She’s finished second at both of her runs since coming from New Zealand where she’s been worn down in the closing stages. Should go close.

Trainer Michael Moroney has Victoria Derby hopes for Chapada. Picture: AAP

EVIE MATILDA (R6, No.8)

Lightly raced five-year-old mare showing a lot of promise. Broke her maiden status this track two starts ago before finishing second at Sale last start when run down in the closing stages by Toorak Playboy. This looks easier.

THE FIRST STARTER

LECTURE (R3, No.13)

Debutante by Fastnet Rock out of a smart mare Lectrice. She’s been performing well in jump-outs at Caulfield for the Ciaron Maher-David Eustace stable and she should be ready to go close at her first start.

THE TRAINER

MIKE MORONEY

THE DELPHI (R1, No.5)

“He’s a stayer and we won’t see the best of him until he gets out to 2500m to 3000m. He’s returned a stronger horse and he should run on well.”

CHAPADA (R1, No.8)

“He hasn’t had a lot of luck in his two runs where he’s run well. We’re aiming him at the Derby and, if that’s the case, we’d be expecting him to be winning this.”

DO YOU RECKON (R4, No.9)

“He’s not your typical So You Think as he’s a short coupled horse and more of a miler than a stayer. He’s a nice horse and we’re trying to teach him to relax as he led at his first start and went a bit too hard. He’s a nice horse and should run well.”