Racing: Xcellent answers all queries

The Moroney stable has had a few question marks over class 3-year-old Xcellent and all of them have been answered in the past three months.

The single query they had regarding the Derby winner going into tomorrow's $100,000 Darley Stakes was how the race will be run, but that had been answered before the horses arrived at the track.

When St Reims is in a 2000m weight-for-age race, you know exactly how a race will be run.

And that is Paul and Mike Moroney's only nervousness as Xcellent attempts to make it back-to- back group one victories.

"There appears to be no pace in the race except for St Reims, so you know the last 1400m will be run at a very decent clip," said Paul Moroney.

"Our job is to make sure Michael Coleman knows he can't afford to give away a big start to a horse like St Reims."

Which is why the stable is delighted Xcellent has drawn barrier No 5 and not closer to the inside rail.

"We wanted five or wider so that we can drop back to where we want rather than be dictated to and put on the rail with horses around him. This way Michael can make his forward move when it suits him."

The Moroneys are delighted that Xcellent has matured mentally and physically during the break he had following his Derby victory at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.

"We believe he's bigger and better than on Derby day," said Paul Moroney.

"The piece of work he did between races at Paeroa showed us he was where we want him and he franked that with a strong gallop here on Tuesday.

"The information that has flowed from his three trackwork riders lately encourages us to believe we're right on track.

"We know it's a big ask for a 3-year-old, but we rate our horse and we believe he's in with a great chance."

Traditionally, this race has been kind to 3-year-olds. McGinty (1983), Bonecrusher (86), Tidal Light (87), The Gentry (89), Surfers Paradise (91) and Roysyn in 1996 have all won it at that age.

St Reims has won six of his nine 2000m attempts. Probably the best of them was when he won the group one Zabeel Classic last start on January 3, when he kicked back strongly after being headed mid-race.

"He looks fantastic," says managing syndicate owner Rob McAnulty.

Southern trainer Hec Anderton was relieved when The Jewel did not blow after her final gallop at Takanini yesterday morning.

"She blew quite badly after her work on Tuesday morning. You've got to keep her right up to the mark because she's a lazy tart and I was very happy that her work this morning showed that the Tuesday gallop cleaned her up."

The Jewel looked a rejuvenated horse when she easily won the Whakanui International Stakes at Te Rapa last start and Anderton is certain the mare has never been in better form. Anderton respects St Reims' talent, but is pleased he's in the field.

"At least there will be good pace on, that will suit her."

Anderton believes this race will be the perfect test of where The Jewel should so next.

"It's not a big field, but it's a good one. There's nothing missing. It's the best of what's around at the moment."

Yesterday when Stephen Autridge started to think about this race he pulled out the video of the Zabeel Classic on January 3.

"I've just watched it and I feel happy with what I saw."

Tomorrow's hot favourite St Reims won the Zabeel with Lashed half a length away third.

"She nearly beat St Reims and they say that was his best run ever. I'm happy."

Lashed, who will definitely retire after this race, was late working into the clear to produce her trademark dashing finish when third in the Whakanui International at Te Rapa last start.

"She had to wait for two slow ones to go past her before she could get out then she had to go around them. I thought it was a good run."

Autridge said the mare has training on exceptionally well.

"What a dream result it'll be if she can get there."

Darley Stakes

* Xcellent is going for back-to-back group one wins.

* The Moroney stable has been delighted with the 3-year-old since his Derby victory.

* Lashed is another who could provide the favourite St Reims with tough opposition.