News

Fontiton Ready For Moir Test

29th Sep 2015

Breeding And Racing - Tuesday, 29th September 2015

Trainer Robert Smerdon says that boom filly Fontiton (Turffontein-Personal Ensign, by Rubiton) will have to produce her best performance to date when she takes on a high class field of sprinters in Friday night's Gr1Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley, reports Racing.com.

The 3YO has not raced since injuring herself in February's Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes, in which she surrendered her unbeaten record when finishing 5th behind outstanding colt Pride Of Dubai.

Fontiton then underwent surgery to remove two bone chips in a front fetlock but Smerdon says she is fit and ready to return to the races.

The Caulfield trainer plans on giving her three runs this campaign, kicking off with Friday's $450,000 sprint feature.

"She looks to have come as good as she was and has physically progressed but Friday night is the acid test," Smerdon said.

"She's been based at her Ballarat stable and has done everything that we've asked."

She added: "Last Saturday morning she worked on the course proper at Ballarat and was very good again but she'll need to be at her best because it looks like being a tough race."

Twenty horses have been nominated for the Moir, including Gr1 winners Buffering, Terravista, Tiger Tees, Flamberge, and Ciaron Maher's brilliant unbeaten filly Petits Flious.