Victorian mare Coeur Volante is set to chase an emotional victory in the Coolmore Classic, just weeks after the passing of her trainer, Michael Moroney.

The Melbourne Cup-winning trainer tragically passed away in his sleep last month, leaving the stable in the hands of his training partner, Glen Thompson.

Thompson will saddle up Coeur Volante for Saturday’s Group 1 contest at Rosehill and says the mare is in outstanding form following her dominant win in the Mannerism Stakes (1400m) last month.

“She’s really handling her racing well this time in,” Thompson said.

“Her trip to Queensland last year really toughened her up, and she’s in the right space heading into Saturday.

“We’ve always believed she was a Group 1 horse, and now she has a chance to prove it.”

The only question mark is how Coeur Volante handles travelling, as she struggled with it during her two-run Brisbane winter campaign.

“That’s the only slight concern,” Thompson admitted.

“She found the trip tough last time, but she’s definitely stronger now. Hopefully, she travels well and puts in a big performance.”

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy takes the ride on Coeur Volante in the Coolmore Classic (1500m), a fitting pairing given McEvoy won his first Melbourne Cup aboard the Moroney-trained Brew 25 years ago.

Coeur Volante has drawn the inside gate and is currently rated a $9.50 chance with betting sites.