Eagle Farm to suit Morendi in Cup

Morendi’s return to his favourite track can give Murwillumbah trainer Darren Graham the biggest win of his career in the Group Three Premier’s Cup at Eagle Farm.

Graham, who has a relatively small team at Murwillumbah, has built up a reputation in recent years as a trainer of stayers.

Morendi is a prime example as the gelding has won seven races and $222,000 since Graham bought him from a Patinack Farm dispersal sale.

He has excelled at Eagle Farm where he has had six starts for three wins, a second, a third and a fourth.

Experienced jockey Michael Cahill is a big fan of both Morendi and Graham.

“When I won on Morendi two runs back at Eagle Farm he was out the back at the 800 metres but he really got home and mowed them down,” Cahill said.

“Some horses don’t appear to handle Eagle Farm but he certainly does.

“I have ridden a few winners for Darren on stayers of late and they are always well turned out.”

Morendi came from last to finish seventh behind Stampede in the Chairman’s Handicap at Doomben at his last start but Cahill believes he will be better suited at Eagle Farm.

Morendi is at $21 with the Mick Price-trained The Chairman the $4.40 favourite following the withdrawal on Friday of Stampede.

Cahill will miss next week’s Oaks meeting at Eagle Farm because of a suspension but will be available should Morendi press on to the Brisbane Cup on June 10.