Trainer Mike Moroney is confident that a first-up assignment over 1800 metres after a throat operation won’t affect the chances of Glass Harmonium in the Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield.
Two searching gallops in the last week have confirmed for the Flemington trainer the grey is on song for the Group Two event ahead of the $1 million Australian Cup (2000m) on March 10.
Glass Harmonium had a “tie forward operation” for a displaced palate which affected his performances in the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup but Moroney said he was fit and ready for Saturday’s comeback run.
“His last two gallops on Saturday and Tuesday particularly have given us a lot of confidence he is forward enough,” Moroney said.
“He’s a class horse and his fitness levels are there.
“He’s had two jumpouts to fit him up for Saturday and we’re happy with him.”
Moroney said he deliberately picked out the Young Stakes for Glass Harmonium to give him extra time get over the throat operation.
He said knowing that he had performed well first-up over 1800 metres last year when second in the Hollindale Cup at his Australian debut fuelled his hopes for him on Saturday.
Glass Harmonium last raced when second last in the Melbourne Cup, three days after Damien Oliver won the Group One Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) on him.
Oliver will ride the entire again in the Young Stakes.
With a lack of pace in the race Glass Harmonium, a frontrunner, is suited in barrier one and could get an easy lead.
He is fifth favourite with TAB Sportsbet at $7 while Caulfield Cup winner Southern Speed ($3) and Manighar ($4.40), who scored first-up at Caulfield last start, are the leading fancies.
Former German stayers Illo ($6), who was a first-up fourth to Black Caviar in the Orr Stakes, and Lucas Cranach ($6.50) who is resuming after finishing third in the Melbourne Cup, are other chances.
Moroney said an overseas campaign was a chance for Glass Harmonium after the Australian Cup.
“We will just see what he does in his first two runs here,” Moroney said.
“He will probably head to Sydney after the Australian Cup with tentative plans for Singapore, Hong Kong or both.”
