A poor barrier draw has dented the confidence of the Mike Moroney and Glen Thompson stable as they prepare Banker’s Choice (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) towards a Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) start.
Banker’s Choice heads to the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield on Saturday, his second outing back after missing an autumn campaign.
The stable was pleased with Banker’s Choice’s first-up run under Damian Lane in the Gr.2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) and are eyeing the rise in trip on Saturday as being beneficial.
Moroney and Thompson combined for their first victory together at Sandown during the week, but Saturday’s poor draw means their second victory may be a little longer in coming.
“I thought he ran really well first-up, but I fear it’s going to be a similar story on Saturday,” Thompson said.
“I thought if he had drawn a gate first-up he would have run top three or four and I thought he would have been a good chance this week, but he’s drawn off the track again.
“So, it’s going to a bit tricky. Hopefully Damian will be able to work something out.
“He’s come back really well, and I think he can win a good race this time in.”
A winner of the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on heavy ground, Banker’s Choice has not been successful since winning that race in 2022.
To gain a start in the Caulfield Cup on October 19, Banker’s Choice will need to land a nice race along the way or earn a ballot exemption by taking out the Gr.3 MRC Foundation Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on September 21.
“At this staged he’s mapped towards the Caulfield Cup, but he’s going to have to win something along the way to get into it,” Thompson said.
“He should have nearly won the Toorak Handicap last prep, and we think he’s a top-class horse that just needs things to go his way for a change.
“The MRC Foundation Cup, I think is the race after this week, but we’ll see how we go on Saturday, but it’s a shame he’s drawn off the track again.”
