Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Express Class will begin his spring campaign in Saturday’s Quayclean Handicap over 1100 metres at Caulfield, with blinkers added as connections seek a sharper performance. Jockey Patrick Moloney believes the Gerard Moloney-trained galloper has the ability to win a strong race once he becomes more settled under pressure.
Express Class has drawn barrier 12 in the 14-horse field after completing two trials before his return. His trackwork has pleased the stable, although Patrick Moloney said the horse became confused during his latest Caulfield trial.
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Blinkers Could Help Express Class Focus
Express Class made a strong start to his career with a dominant debut win at Sandown last year. He later finished third in the Group 3 Vain Stakes before being sent for a spell.
“He’s had two nice trials coming into it, albeit his last one he got a bit lost at Caulfield going up the back straight and running up the hill,” Patrick Moloney said.
“We’ve been working him in blinkers which he will have on Saturday, and I think you’ll find a much more furnished horse this time around.”
Express Class returned during the late summer and autumn period, racing against older horses before tackling three more Stakes contests. His campaign ended with a seventh-place finish in the Group 1 Australian Guineas over 1600 metres at Flemington.
Saturday Run Will Guide Spring Plans
Patrick Moloney expects the blinkers to help Express Class use his ability more effectively, particularly after drawing wide again at Caulfield.
“When the penny drops, he’s definitely good enough to put a race away like this,” Patrick Moloney stated.
Express Class will turn four shortly and has one victory to his name. His performance on Saturday will help connections decide how to place him through benchmark races during the coming weeks.
“He just needs to prove himself through the ratings, but what he shows at home he can be a nice Saturday horse, and to what extent, we don’t know.”
Official fields and results are available through the Racing Victoria website.