New Zealand sprinter The Bostonian is primed to replicate his Brisbane winter form when he heads to Melbourne for the Moir Stakes.

The Tony Pike-trained five-year-old will arrive in Australia on Wednesday to get ready for the Group One Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley on September 27.

Earlier this year, The Bostonian won the Doomben 10,000 (1200m) and Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) before being unplaced in the Stradbroke Handicap.

“He is looking a picture and has really wintered well,” Pike told NZ Racing Desk.

“Last season he didn’t come out of his winter break nearly as well and I think that was pretty clear in the performances he put up.

“We brought him back straight after his last run at Brisbane in the Stradbroke this time and he has thrived.”

Pike is realistic about the task ahead of his charge.

“There aren’t too many kiwi horses who take on the best sprinters in Australia but that’s the position we find ourselves in after his Queensland performances,” he said.

“I guess with the battle between Victoria and New South Wales racing it might see some of the better ones in Sydney rather than Melbourne but in saying that the competition will still be white hot wherever we go.

“He’s fully mature now and we think on what he did in Queensland he is up to the task, so we are about to find out.”

“He flies over Wednesday then will have a half mile jump-out at Flemington on the Friday.

“He goes well fresh and that jump-out should top him off nicely.

“It will be his first attempt at Moonee Valley but I think the track will suit him as he is pretty nippy and the surface doesn’t get rock hard which will be in his favour.”

The Bostonian will have a travelling companion, last-start Hastings winner Spring Bouquet who will run in a Benchmark 78 over 1600m at Flemington on September 25 before any further targets are set.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au