Victorian mare Coeur Volante will be looking to deliver an emotional Coolmore Classic victory for her connections, just weeks after the tragic passing of her trainer, Michael Moroney.

The Melbourne Cup-winning horseman, who had recently returned to training following a serious illness, sadly passed away in his sleep last month.

His training partner Glen Thompson will saddle up Coeur Volante for Saturday’s Group 1 Rosehill feature and believes the mare is thriving after her dominant four-length win in the Mannerism Stakes (1400m) last month.

“She has done very well. She is really handling her racing this time, which is good to see,” Thompson said.

“I think the trip away to Queensland really toughened her up. Hopefully, she settles in well and runs a hell of a race.

“We always thought she was a Group 1 horse, and hopefully, she shows that on Saturday.”

Coeur Volante had an unplaced two-run preparation in Brisbane during last year’s winter carnival, struggling with the interstate travel. Thompson acknowledges it’s still a concern ahead of her Sydney trip.

“The only worry is how she copes with the travelling,” he admitted.

“She struggled a bit last time, but it definitely toughened her up. Now she’s got to go back and do it again.

“If she stays in the same form she’s in now, she will be competitive in whatever she runs in.”

Fittingly, Kerrin McEvoy will ride Coeur Volante in the Coolmore Classic (1500m). The star jockey was just 20 years old when he claimed his first Melbourne Cup victory aboard the Moroney-trained Brew, 25 years ago.

Coeur Volante has drawn barrier one and is currently a $9.50 chance with betting sites for Saturday’s feature.