Moe trainers took the spotlight again this week with Len Xuereb and Peter Gelagotis preparing winners at Pakenham and Geelong respectively. In the case of Gelagotis, he appears to have another promising youngster on his hands.

Mourinho was having just his second race start when disposing of a handy field at Geelong.

“At his first run at Sale he drew wide, so we just settled him back and let him find the line. We all thought it would take a few more to educate him better, but the penny seemed to drop quickly and he did a good job at Geelong,” said Gelagotis.

“He is clearly a stayer in the making and we will continue to just step him up in distance. Preferably I’d like to keep him to his age group, so that may mean a city race, but we’ll see what pans out.

“I believe he has good ability, so we will just take him along slowly,” he said.

STORMY OMEN

Gippsland had some spectacular thunderstorms on Thursday night and it proved an omen when Len Xuereb prepared Storm Bay to win at Pakenham Friday.

“I am not sure he really handled the wet track, he plodded away a bit, but was able to get there,” said Len.

“The longer distances are certainly his go and I’ll continue to push him out over ground. His next outing is likely to be a 1900m race on Latrobe Valley Cup day this Sunday,” he said.

LATROBE CUP SUNDAY

It’s the Latrobe Valley’s biggest Christmas party and this Sunday’s LV Cup should live up to that reputation with a massive crowd anticipated.

Among the early nominations is last start Moe winner, Haka Brave, trained by Cliff Murray at Sale.

Two big screens with on course hosts Jo Crawford-Wynd and Rob Gaylard along with the infield carnival entertainment again, make it a great day for all the family.

UPS AND DOWNS

Racing has its highs and lows and unfortunately Rockpecker and his Stony Creek by Ken Fythe, had an unfortunate long trip to Canberra last week for the Cup.

“Rocky” veered out shortly after the start and dislodged he rider, Michael Rodd. Fortunately the former Gippsland Horse of the Year did not sustain serious injury.

After his back to back wins, the promising Belgietto was kept ticking over with a trial win at Moe last week.

Two of the more impressive trial winners at Moe were Amaudru and Sweet Cheeks – watch for them to appear.

Picture: Colin Bull