Like several of his fellow Caulfield trainers,John Moloney is only weeks away from moving into new stables at Cranbourne.
Moloney says it is a pity to be leaving Caulfield, but on the other hand he would like to be lining-up in his new hometown Cup, the Listed Cranbourne Cup (1600m) on Saturday, from his new home.
This year’s Cranbourne Cup, shortened from 2025m to 1600m, is being run on a Saturday for the first time and Moloney will saddle Imperial Lad in the feature.
Originally the second emergency, Imperial Lad gained a start following the scratchings of Aramayo, Harbour Views and Winning Partner.
Moloney said his stables on-course at the Cranbourne Training Centre, located behind the Cranbourne Racing Centre that incorporates a harness racing track and greyhound track, were nearing completion.
“There’s a few adjustments they need to make and as soon as they get those things done, we’ll start to move down there,” Moloney said.
Imperial Lad enters Saturday’s race in good form.
He won over 1500m at The Valley on Cox Plate eve before running second to Don’t Doubt Dory in the Peninsula Cup (1600m) at Mornington on October 31.
“He’s in good form, racing well and he’s got a nice weight with 4-½ kilos less than his last two starts and it sets up well for him to run well,” Moloney said.
“Some rain would be nice, not over the top and I guess most would feel that way, I would imagine.”
Apprentice Alana Kelly takes over from Jarrod Fry and Linda Meech on Saturday who have ridden the gelding in his past two starts.
“She rode him well at The Valley to win on him and ran second on him at Caulfield,” Moloney said.
“It’s a bit of a challenge for her to take a ride in such a big race, but Jarrod Fry is out suspended, he did ride him last time, and Linda Meech is out suspended also, so I was short two riders and Alana has had some luck with him.”