New Zealand trainer Mike Moroney will feel like he's on home turf when he heads to Eagle Farm today in the hope of a huge Super Saturday payday.
The track has been rated heavy, and bottomless by some interstate and local trainers, which should be music to the ears ofthe Kiwi.
Moroney is chasing successive Stradbroke Handicaps with Mr Baritone and also will saddle up Prix Du Sang in the Queensland Derby and Tinseltown in the Brisbane Cup, both over 2400m. Three-year-old I Robot also represents the stable in the Group Two Queensland Guineas (1600m).
Prix Du Sang is the only runner of Moroney's quartet who hasn't won or been placed on a heavy track but the filly does have a slow track victory to her credit.
Tinseltown has a perfect record in the heavy, winning his maiden at Ellerslie in 2007 at his only start under the conditions.
The son of Pentire earned a trip across the Tasman after his last-start win in the Rotorua Cup (2200m) at Te Aroha on May 2.
Moroney, who co-trains with brother Paul, said Tinseltown performed best when his races were spaced but a month between runs was of concern, although he was expecting a strong performance.
"He's one of New Zealand's better stayers," Moroney said.
"He was unlucky not to win the Auckland Cup when he struck interference.
"He seems to race best when his races are spaced and he should handle the ground. The last bit might be his biggest worry."
Tinseltown has won six of his 23 starts and finished seventh to Spin Around in the Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on March 4.
He is a $17 chance for the Brisbane Cup behind $5 favourite Scenic Shot who has won his past two starts, in the Doomben Cup and O'Shea Stakes.
Moroney worked Tinseltown with the John Wheeler-trained Court Ruler between races at Doomben on Wednesday before declaring the stayer was spot-on for the Brisbane Cup.
Tinseltown will be ridden by apprentice Craig Grylls, who outrode his allowance two years ago.
