Moon to make the cut
November 28 - Jason Hickson

Improving stayer Moongara will give trainer Mark Kavanagh a better guide to his Port Adelaide Cup chances with his effort in Saturday's $40,000 Listed Top Cut Stakes (2000m) at Morphettville.

Moongara is a winner of his last two starts at Morphettville but tackles not only Listed but open company for the first time on Saturday.

The lightly-raced five-year-old is making up for lost time now though, after being touted as a Derby prospect in his three-year-old season before an injury forced a long lay-off.

"He has always given the indication he would make a stayer and was all set for a Derby campaign before going sore," Kavanagh said. "He had a long lay-off and then I brought him back for a short campaign before giving him another spell. This is his serious campaign and, after two runs over unsuitable distances he has won his last two starts well.

"This is his test, though. He's still a Class 6 horse and has never even raced in open company, so we will get a better guide to his Port Cup chances this weekend."

Talented apprentice Matthew Neilson has ridden Moongara at his last two starts, the latest over 2019m at Morphettville last Saturday. Sent out a short-price favourite, the gelding didn't have the easiest of runs but was still too classy for his opposition, winning by a comfortable two lengths.

"Had he had the run of the race and just arrived to win we mightn't have gone this way with him," Kavanagh said. "But the fact he went very early, was wide for much of the race and was still able to win so easily convinced us to give him a chance in better grade. The opposition wasn't that flash, but the way he won was very impressive.

"He's a beautiful, relaxed galloper who just puts his head down, goes to sleep then shows good acceleration. He has the making of a real stayer but we'll find out how good this weekend."

Senior rider Joe Bowditch takes the reigns in the non-claiming affair and will jump from barrier three in the eight-horse race. The winner from this event is exempt from ballot from the $60,000 Group 3 Irongate Australia Port Adelaide Cup (2400m) at Cheltenham Park on Boxing day.

Copied with permission of Thoroughbred Racing South Australia:
http://www.trsa.com.au/

Quapie,
I posted a message about my thoughts on Moongara too, before I saw yours.
I didnt get to see the race, was wondering if you did and know where we went wrong...

I thought it would have blitzed them!!


Thanks,
Dude.

Dude, please note the article about Moongara was written by Jason Hickson who talked to Moongara's trainer. We were kindly given permission to use the article.

Articles copied with permission of Thoroughbred Racing South Australia:
http://www.trsa.com.au/ are not the Forum Moderator's articles nor necessarily the Forum Moderator's opinions.