Racing: Ex-Tasmanian wants first-up win at Moonee Valley

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Former Tasmanian trainer Jason Clifford is looking for a perfect start to his relocation on the mainland with Forbidden Quest at Moonee Valley.

Clifford, 37, moved to Geelong last month and Forbidden Quest will be his first runner in today's Schneider Electric Hcp (1523m).

Clifford said Victoria offered more opportunities for both him and his horses and he was looking to build on his past successes which include an upset win as a hobby trainer with Our Dashing Dane in the 2005 Hobart Cup.

"Racing in Tasmania isn't going anywhere while Victoria is going ahead in leaps and bounds," Clifford said.

"I have got five or six horses just about weighted out of Tasmanian racing and I didn't want to lose them so I thought it was time to come across."

A glazier by trade and a racehorse trainer for eight years, full-time the last four, Clifford has averaged more than 20 winners a year as a professional.

With 17 horses in work he is mindful that he has a solid but ageing team.

Seven-year-old Forbidden Quest is one of his oldest horses but also one of his best. Another big run is expected at Moonee Valley today with Clifford tipping a top four finish for the gelding who is A$12 in TAB Sportsbet's market dominated by the John Sadler-trained Flat Chat (A$2).

- AAP