For the second year running, John Moloney is looking to land a rich mile race on Victorian Owners and Breeders Race Day.
The $250,000 VOBIS Gold Mile (1600m) at Sandown on Saturday will be the third run of the preparation for Milton Park who will be out to emulate Imperial Lad ‘s victory in the race 12 months ago.
Last year’s meeting was held at Caulfield, but with the development of a new inner track at that venue, Sandown will host the meeting this time around.
Imperial Lad will also be racing at Sandown on Saturday, but in the shorter VOBIS Gold Sprint (1200m) with Moloney querying his ability to run out a strong 1600m at Sandown.
Moloney does not fear the journey for Milton Park who is a previous winner of the Listed Sale Cup (1600m) and the Listed Cup Day Plate (1800m) at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Those victories were in 2021 while last year was a forgetful one for Milton Park.
“He got a hamstring injury that set him back a bit and then when I had him right the jockey fell off him behind the barrier and he got himself hurt,” Moloney said.
“So, I haven’t had a lot of luck with the horse, but there’s no reason why he can’t come back to some decent form.”
Milton Park has had two runs in 2023 and after finishing second last at Flemington on February 18, there were signs of improvement at that track last time when sixth over 1400m on March 25.
“It was a terrific run at Flemington without any luck near the finish,” Moloney said.
“He could have been placed and we have the form of the Victoria Handicap winner (Cardinal Gem) coming out of the race and Pinstriped (an opponent on Saturday) also running well also the other day.
“He’s in the right shape and is training well to run well on Saturday.
“All that I want is for the track to not be too wet.”