Moroney lifts sights with Marwood

O’Reilly’s unbeaten son Marwood will be on trial for a Group One assignment at his next appearance. The three-year-old followed up his debut win at Seymour with another strong performance at Bendigo yesterday to maintain his perfect record.

Trainer Michael Moroney will now target the Gr 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude in a fortnight with a view to taking on the cream of the crop in the Gr 1 Caulfield Guineas three weeks later. Marwood was ridden yesterday by Nick Hall, who believes the gelding can make his mark in good company.

“His first start was a maiden on a heavy track, but I think this seals it and proves that he’s the real deal today,” he said. “He’s going to be definitely up there and I think he’s going to be competitive this spring for sure.” A son of the Group One-winning Centaine mare Pernod, Marwood is also nominated for the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) on the same day as the 1600m Guineas.