Moroney confident in Emissary ahead of Australian Cup Prelude
He might be at a crossroads regarding what path he’ll take after the Australian Cup Prelude at Flemington on Saturday, but Emissary fans can breathe easy.
The six-year-old gelding – a $4.40 winning chance with online bookmakers – is in top shape according to veteran trainer Michael Moroney.
He also has form on the board, finishing his last preparation by winning the Geelong Cup and finishing second in the Melbourne Cup.
Moroney believes Emissary can only build on his last start – and the first of this preparation – after he finished fifth and 2 ¼ lengths behind winner Steinem in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes on February 25.
If he does improve from that run, the Ballymore Stables camp might be faced with a good collective headache.
“It’s crossroads for him whether we go for the Australian Cup or we head up for the Sydney Cup,” Moroney told HorseBetting.com.au.
“So it’s a big race for him. He’s really well.”
Set to start from barrier three on Saturday with Blake Shinn in the saddle, Emissary showed his staying qualities when he took out the Geelong Cup.
He was second-last at the turn for home before a sensational finish on the outside saw him prevail.
The respected long-distance competitor then showed admirable courage inside the final 300m to challenge Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip, subsequently beaten by two lengths at the finishing post.
“I’m thinking he’s more a stayer than a 2000m horse, but we’ll find out over the weekend,” Moroney said.
“He’s really well, and he’ll have his chance to prove his fitness levels are there.
“So we’ve just got to find out where the best place is to head from here.”
Moroney also believes Not An Option can be in the mix at the finishing line in the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap.
He might be a $26 outsider, with his last win coming in the Hareeba Stakes at Mornington on March 26 last year, but the five-year-old gelding drew barrier one for the 1400m feature.
“I see Not An Option as a horse who’s just been unlucky. He’s going very well,” Moroney said, with Patrick Moloney set for the ride.
“He’s just had no luck with barrier draws. But when he gets things right he can win one of these races at long odds.
“He’s flying at the moment and I can’t fault him.”