Moloney favours Sandown option for Storm

At this time of year most people with a Magic Millions horse turn their attention to the rich prize money on offer at the Gold Coast.

But trainer John Moloney intends to stay closer to home with two-year-old debut winner Graceful Storm.

A $110,000 yearling at the Gold Coast sale, Graceful Storm is scheduled to run in the Ladbrokes Plate (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday.

Moloney says Graceful Storm, who also holds a nomination for a two-year-old fillies race over 1000m at Flemington on Monday, is not ready for a trip to the Gold Coast at this stage of her career.

Graceful Storm won on debut at Bendigo collecting just over $36,000 which included VOBIS bonus money.

On Saturday, as is the case on Monday, Graceful Storm will be racing for $150,000, including bonuses.

“It’s good money to be racing for and we’re 90 per cent certain of going to Sandown,” Moloney said.

“I’ve seen the noms for Flemington in that fillies race, but the conditions at Sandown of no penalties for being a winner seems fine.

“At Flemington it’s against the fillies which would also suit but it’s up the straight where she’s foreign, whereas around Sandown she’s a bit more accustomed.”

Moloney said Graceful Storm had been to Sandown for a jump-out.

The Caulfield trainer will also saddle Orient Line in the Ladbrokes Up For The Challenge Handicap (1600m).

Orient Line gave away a big start at Caulfield on December 16 before closing off late to finish fifth.

“I’m looking forward to running him at a mile,” Moloney said.

“He’s tried a couple of times and run well at it.

“He ran fourth in a Sale Cup on a wet track which was not suitable for him and he’s been placed a few times at 1500 metres, so he can run all right at the trip.”

Moloney enjoyed his biggest pay day at the Gold Coast meeting last year when Flying Jess won the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas but the mare has just returned to pre-training and will be prepared for the autumn.