Moreira tests Heartbreak City at Werribee

Champion Hong Kong jockey Joao Moreira is confident Heartbreak City can give him a first Melbourne Cup after partnering the stayer in a gallop at Werribee.

Visa issues delayed Moreira’s arrival in Melbourne and instead of riding the Tony Martin-trained horse in a gallop on Friday, Moreira headed to Werribee on Saturday morning ahead of a full book of rides at the Victoria Derby day meeting at Flemington.

In accepting the mount, Moreira had to make himself available to ride Heartbreak City in trackwork before to Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.

Moreira was impressed with the way Heartbreak City moved in the workout.

“He’s is a stayer and everything he gave me as a feel this morning was fantastic,” Moreira said.

“I was delighted with what he showed me and hopefully he can combine it altogether and bring it to the race.

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“On what he has been doing I’m confident that I can be fighting for the win.”

Moreira said Heartbreak City sprinted up the final 400m of the gallop in around 22 seconds and importantly was relaxed during the workout.

“Basically I was riding him to have a feel of how he behaves and how much pressure I have to put on the reins and release,” Moreira said.

“He seemed very nice and relaxed, particularly this morning,” Moreira said.

“If does what he has been doing so far, in the race, and he can relax, I think he can be finishing off.

“What I liked most about him this morning he pulled up not blowing at all.”

Moreira has had two previous Cup rides, finishing fourth on Signoff in 2014 and 14th last year aboard The United States.