Trainer Michael Moroney believes that the resuming About Square, who will contest the Fiesta Star Handicap (1200m), is his best winning chance at either Flemington or Moonee Valley this weekend.
Michael Moroney is confident that About Square can return to racing as a winner in the Fiesta Star Handicap this weekend. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
About Square was given a brief break at the end of a lengthy campaign, which extended from April to September, and included victories in the Plumbtec Handicap (1208m) at Sale and the Montgomerie Tribute Handicap (1200m).
The Refuse To Bend gelding faded towards the end of his campaign, failing to fire in the Le Pine Funerals Handicap (1200m) at Sandown and the Seniors Raceday Handicap (1400m), but Moroney told Racing Ahead this morning that he is confident that About Square can return to his best form this weekend.
“I would think About Square (is his best chance) if he brings his right form,” Moroney said.
“I think he is the one that looked quiet promising last time and he seems well.
“We just gave him a quick break because he threw in a couple of runs where he didn’t get a bit of luck but in saying that he raced a little bit tired in the last one.
“He has good form down the straight and any amount of rain would help as well.
“He should be a good chance in that.”
About Square made his racing debut in New Zealand in May last year, winning the Cambridge Equine Hospital Handicap (1200m) on debut, and was brought to Australia as a prospect for the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) during the 2012 Spring Racing Carnival.
The gelding failed to flourish as a stayer, beating home just a single runner in races at Moonee Valley and Flemington, but Moroney has been impressed with how the four-year-old has developed as a sprinter.
“Originally we gave him a Derby preparation as a three-year-old but we got him up to a mile and he didn’t get any further,” Moroney said.
“We then kept him fresh and he has been able to sprint a bit even though he was bred to stay.
“He looks to be a 1200 to 1400 metre horse and he was really consistent last time once we worked that out and he is stronger again now.”
About Square is currently rated a $14 chance in Fiesta Star betting markets; with Mark Kavanagh-trained Oltre Finito ($5) a narrow favourite from Chow Meow ($6.50) and Spending ($7).
