Kiwis banking on Moreira Magic

29 October 2014

One of the world’s premier jockeys could be transformed into “Kiwi Joe” if results go his way on Saturday.

Hong Kong-based Brazilian rider Joao Moreira will team up with two Kiwi gallopers in Group One races at Flemington on Saturday as Waikato trainers Trent Busuttin and Lance Noble seek elite-level success on one of the biggest days on the Australian racing calendar.

Busuttin and his partner Natalie Young have booked Moreira to ride Atmosphere in the $A1.5 million Victoria Derby (2500m), while Noble has secured the ace hoop’s services for multiple Group One winner Viadana in the $A500,000 Myer Classic (1600m).

Busuttin will shoot for his second Victoria Derby win after recently-retired Savabeel gelding Sangster gave him his first in 2011.

Like Sangster, Atmosphere is also by Savabeel and like Sangster he ran second in his lead-up race, the AAMI Vase, when ridden by Nash Rawiller, who has been ruled out of the Derby ride through suspension.

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