Moloney and Lord Of The Sky to reunite in Chester Manifold Stakes Field

The apprentice who partnered Lord Of The Sky to his biggest winning margin has been recalled in the Chester Manifold Stakes.

Patrick Moloney will be in search of his first stakes victory on the Robbie Laing-trained sprinter in Saturday’s Listed feature at Flemington.

Moloney has not been aboard Lord Of The Sky since he partnered him to a 6-3/4-length win at Caulfield a year ago.

It’s a chance Moloney is keen to make the most of, but it’s not the only opportunity he has been handed on Saturday.

The apprentice will also put on the famous royal blue colours of the Godolphin operation for the first time when he rides Hebden for trainer John O’Shea in a support race.

Lord Of The Sky, winner of the Monash Stakes last year, has been runner-up in his past two starts in the Christmas Stakes at Standish Handicap and will be tested at 1400 metres for the first time.

“Obviously getting back on him in a Listed race is a big thrill for an apprentice like myself,” Moloney said.

“I’ve only had the one ride on him and he won by a big margin that day.

“I’m really excited and looking forward to it. He’s drawn a nice alley, he’s been really competitive at that level and I think this weather will help him with a bit of give in the track.

“I think he’ll make his presence felt for a long way. It’s just whether he’ll run the 1400 out strongly.”

Sydney visitor Red Excitement has been installed $4.60 favourite in the field of 13 ahead of last-start Listed winner Tried And Tired at $5.

Reparations is at $6 just ahead of Lord Of The Sky at $7.

Moloney has eight rides at the meeting including Hebden in the Birdcage Handicap (1000m).

Hebden has had three starts in Sydney for two wins and a last-start placing.

“It’s huge opportunity for a young apprentice like myself,” he said of his first ride for Godolphin.

“If everything falls into place and I do the right thing by them, hopefully more opportunities come my way from them because they have got a lot of quality horses.”

Article from justhorseracing.com.au

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