Bottomless Betfair Park Awaits Moroney Duo
- Tuesday, 20 July 2010 04:36
Trainer Michael Moroney is undecided as to whether both his staying mares will contest tomorrows $30,000 Sweet Nell Handicap(2400m) at Betfair Park.
Moroney, who trains from Flemington's Ballymore Stables, is concerned that the heavy Betfair Park surface could bring both Shylock's Daughter and Little Slapper undone.
"Shylocks Daughter is only a little mare and she has a big weight (59kg) to carry around on such a heavy track," said Moroney.
"On the otherhand Little Slapper is weighted really well but didn't handle the heavy track at Ballarat a fortnight ago.
Little Slapper is a previous winner on the heavy Betfair Park surface back in May but Moroney is of the opinion the surfaces are changing week to week.
"I'd hate to be a punter at the moment, all the heavy tracks are different," said Moroney.
"One heavy is bottomless and the next is sticky, some horses will handle on and not the other."
Whilst Moroney is happy with both mares despite failing at their most recent outings he would prefer to see them going around on a dryer surface.
"Shylock's Daughter was unlucky against the males a fortnight ago and probably could've finished closer had she had clear running," said Moroney.
"She is probably still the one to beat if she can carry the weight.
"Little Slapper looks terrific and should improve sharply on her last effort but if she doesn't handle the track we'll probably send her to the paddock until the dryer tracks come round.
"I believe both mares are better on a dead to slow surface," Moroney added.
Shylock's Daughter will jump from barrier four with Dwayne Dunn in the saddle while Little Slapper has the services of Rhys McLeod and barrier eight.
Photo by Colin Bull
