Trainer Tony McEvoy is confident talented five-year-old Mouro is a winning chance in this weekend’s Group 3 Hawkesbury Cup (1600m) despite a less-than ideal run of form leading into the feature race.
Tony McEvoy is confident of a return to form for Mouro in the 2014 Hawkesbury Cup. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Finishing a particularly disappointing eighteenth in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on day 1 of The Championships at Royal Randwick last time out, McEvoy told AAP he is confident the far firmer Hawkesbury running surface is sure to lead to a huge improvement in form for Mouro this weekend.
“Luke Nolen said he wasn’t great in the ground but he gave up without a fight” McEvoy said.
“I’ve been right over him and the horse is perfect.
“I’ve just put it down to the heavy track and I have to trust him. He may have been a bit coltish in the Doncaster as well.”
Having secured an impressive total of seven victories and five places from only 16 competitive appearances so far, Mouro contested a particularly strong and consistent 2013 racing preparation; winning the Listed Rowley Mile (1600m), Sale Cup (1600m) and Group 3 Eclipse Stakes (1800m) on November 16th most notably.
Strolling home to win the Group 3 TAB Rewards Stakes (1400m) first-up this year, another impressive season appeared to be on the cards for the Grand Slam entire this time in, however hopes quickly started to fade when unable to handle the late pace and seventh in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes (1500m) prior to his forgettable run in the Doncaster.
Having gained the ideal barrier 2 for the 2014 Hawkesbury Cup, Mouro is currently featured as sole occupant on the third line of betting for success this weekend at particularly generous odds on $8.
A standout performer of the in-form Team Hawkes stable, Leebaz is clear $1.85 favourite for the Hawkesbury Gold Cup ahead of Malavio and Wistful; currently sharing the second line of betting at $6 odds.
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