Maluckyday fires in barrier trial

As Melbourne Cup runner-up Maluckyday was yesterday given the seal of approval to run in Saturday's Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes at Warwick Farm, trainer Chris Waller cast doubt over whether his popular galloper Rangirangdoo would ever make it back to the racetrack.

In a tale of two outstanding racehorses, Maluckyday and Rangirangdoo were pitted against one another in a 900m trial at Rosehill Gardens, with Maluckyday finishing 3/4 of a length from Syreon, with Rangi a further half-head away in third.

Maluckyday will be having only his second crack at a Group 1 race, with his first being an awesome second behind Americain in last year's Melbourne Cup.

Despite only having 10 race starts to his name, Maluckyday's deeds in the spring have him regarded by many as the best stayer in the country.

Saturday will be his first crack at weight-for-age racing and the Hawkes camp yesterday indicated he would line up in the $350,000 event.

"He went good, he went super," co-trainer Michael Hawkes said of Maluckyday.

"He jumped good, travelled well up behind the speed and found the line. Provided he pulls up in good shape, he will be running Saturday."

Reigning Doncaster Mile champ Rangirangdoo has shown plenty of zest in his two trials this preparation, giving every indication he is ready to race, but Waller revealed he is yet to force the issue as he brings the horse back from injury.

"I'm 50-50 with him in terms of whether he will actually make it to the races. I am not yet convinced he will handle it," Waller said.

"We have brought him along slowly and made sure he is very fit before we apply the pressure.

"Now that he has had two trials it is time to put him under the pressure required to be ready for weight-for-age racing.

"It's not like we can go to a soft midweek race to get him ready. He's going to be racing first-up against horses like More Joyous in the Canterbury Stakes. We know the horse doesn't have many starts left so we're taking one step at a time."

Story: Brent Zerafa The Daily Telegraph

Photo: Martin King Sportpix