Makybe Diva Stakes Field: Moroney weighs up options with import

Trainer Mike Moroney is weighing up options for stayer Voleuse De Coeurs who could be saved for the Underwood Stakes first-up.

Voleuse De Coeurs is nominated for Saturday’s Group One Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) and galloped solo on the course proper at Flemington on Tuesday morning.

Moroney was happy with the work and said he would discuss with the mare’s owners whether to kick off the import’s campaign on Saturday or wait for the Underwood at Caulfield over 1800m a week later.

“The Makybe over a mile could be pretty tough on her first-up because she really hasn’t got any form until she gets over further,” Moroney said.

“We’re starting to think that maybe the race at Caulfield might be the better starting point, and that will give me the chance to get a bit more work into her also.

“I’ll discuss it with the owners and throw the pros and cons around of kicking her off at a more suitable distance.”

Voleuse De Coeurs is likely to wear blinkers wherever she resumes and Moroney wants to get a guide in her first-up assignment whether she keeps the blinkers on further into the spring.

The six-year-old wore blinkers in her gallop on Tuesday over 1400m.

A winner of the Group One Irish St Leger last year when trained by Dermot Weld, Voleuse De Coeurs is yet to win in four Australian starts – all at Group One level.

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