Mad dash to the border with superstar

A SNAP lockdown by the Victorian government and the prospect of hard border closures has forced David Moran to change his plans.

Originally looking to travel to New South Wales next week, Moran will begin the interstate journey this evening.

Moran’s decision to head across the Murray River early is simple…he’s not risking missing the Miracle Mile!

Australasia’s premier sprint, the $1million Garrards-sponsored event is scheduled to be conducted at Club Menangle on March 6.

In order to gain a berth in the Grand Circuit gem, Moran intends to contest next week’s Newcastle Mile with his stable star Lochinvar Art.

Following his demolition of last Saturday night’s A G Hunter Cup in Melton, Lochinvar Art is a $1.70 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds for the Group One.

“I was going next week, but will leave tonight,” Moran said. “I’ll be back home around seven and on the road again by eight.

“There’s no way I’ll be risking missing the Miracle Mile because the borders are closed and I don’t have enough time to quarantine before the big night.

“I’ll be taking a couple of others as well for the Derby heats and Pink Bonnet.

“It means I’ll be away from home for just over three weeks instead of two, but it’s better than waiting and then wishing I’d left sooner.”

Already in transit ahead of tomorrow night’s Club Menangle card, Anthony Butt is prepared for the prospect he will need to remain in New South Wales for the next few weeks.

Butt, who will drive Perfect Stride in the Paleface Adios Sprint, was planning to travel back and forth between meetings.

The Paleface Adios Sprint is a heat for next weekend’s Chariots Of Fire in which Butt and co-trainer Sonya Smith have already qualified Boots Electric.

“I’ve got Boots on the float now as we’re heading to Sydney,” Butt said. “I’m also taking Prestige Stride up for the Oaks heats.

“There is every chance I won’t be going back to the stable for a few weeks as I can’t take the chance of going back to Victoria and then being blocked from re-entering New South Wales!”

Butt remains hopeful horses will be allowed to be transported across closed borders as per previous lockouts.

“We’ve got Wolf Stride and a few others to come up for the various races, including a shot at the Miracle Mile, so hopefully horses can still travel to and from like they did last time,” Butt said.

While the New South Wales border remains open at this stage, South and Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland have or are in the process of closing their borders.