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Tofane in right order for Gilgai Stakes

3 minute read

Tofane will run in the Gilgai Stakes at Flemington.

TOFANE.
TOFANE. Picture: Racing and Sports

Trainer Mike Moroney had some good news earlier in the week about getting his Everest contender to Sydney for the $15 million race. 

Instead of having to spend three days at a spelling farm in NSW before going to a racing stable in Sydney for final preparations for the race, Victorian-trained horses now only have to spend three hours. 

That was music to the ears of Moroney who will send Tofane to Sydney after she runs in the $300,000 Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday. 

The sprint will be Tofane's final race before she runs in The Everest for the slot held by Yulong Stud at Randwick on October 17. 

"The picture getting to Sydney now is good," Moroney said. 

"It's a big help for her as it means I can leave it a bit later for her to go up. We can keep her here (Melbourne) and give her that program before we send her up." 

Tofane will head to the Hawkesbury stable of Brad Widdup. 

Moroney has sought the help of a former stable employee that now works with Widdup to look after the mare. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Moroney is unable to send any of his staff to attend to Tofane during her stay in NSW. 

Tofane had a three run Sydney campaign during the autumn, winning the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick in April. 

During that campaign Moroney was unable to travel, but he had staff in Sydney looking after a small string of horses. 

"The girl that ran my stable up in Sydney for three years will look after her this time," Moroney said. 

"She works for Brad Widdup now. She knows my feeding routine and what I do and she'll only have to look after her for the final few days." 

Tofane returned from a winter break and giving weight to her male rivals ran third to Zoutori and Banquo in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on September 12. 

Moroney was delighted with the return performance, and more importantly her work since. 

"She's really worked well and I think she's improved and it would be good to get her up there in winning form," Moroney said. 

Damien Oliver rides on Saturday while Tommy Berry takes the mount in The Everest. 

TAB has opened Tofane the $2.90 favourite on Saturday ahead of fellow Everest contender Santa Ana Lane at $4.60) with last start winner Zoutori next pick at $5.


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