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Moroney saddles ballot exempted Aktau and Chapada in the Caulfield Cup.
Trainer Mike Moroney is hoping victories from two ballot free races can lead to the trainer securing a first win in the Caulfield Cup.
Moroney saddles Aktau and Chapada in the Group 1 Handicap over 2400m on Saturday after both won ballot exemptions for the $5 million race.
Aktau earned his start winning the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) in March while Sound forced his way into Saturday's Cup field with victory in the Group 2 Herbert Power Handicap (2400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Chapada was number 40 in the ballot order prior to Saturday's win and has 50.5kg, but can re-handicapped for that success.
Jye Mc Neil, who was to have ridden Orderofthegarter, has been booked to ride Chapada on Saturday.
Ironically McNeil rode Aktau to his Mornington Cup success and had ridden the galloper at his first run back from a spell before switching to Orderofthegarter.
Daniel Moor rides Aktau on Saturday and had his first sit on the stayer when last in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 3.
Moroney was dismayed with the performance.
"He seems good," Moroney said.
"We had an osteopath look at him, he was out in the neck a bit.
"He pulled his head off and wanted to lug out, so that cost him any chance in the race.
"He's a horse that can get on the bit, but not like that, so something was bothering him and hopefully that's been sorted out.
"We're also going to change some gear on him and we've piled the work into him as he (Moor) said he was a little fresh, so we'll see how we go."
Moroney sees no problem with Chapada backing up on Saturday after his win in the Herbert Power Stakes.
"He's a tough sort of horse and he'll come through well enough," Moroney said.
"He's that sort of horse. He's pretty laid back and his fitness is pretty good now."
Moroney also has veteran stayer Sound still in Caulfield Cup calculations, but at number 37 in the ballot order doubts he will secure a start.
Chapada moved from $101 to $21 with TAB after Saturday's victory while Aktau is a $51 chance.
Irish raider Anthony Van Dyck holds favouritism at $5 from Turnbull Stakes winner Verry Elleegant at $6 with Finche and Master Of Wine on the next line at $11.
