Racing: Moroney and McEvoy brew plans for second big cup victory

The proven big-race combination of trainer Mike Moroney and jockey Kerrin McEvoy are poised to strike again at group one level with Divine Rebel in today's Sydney Cup.

Moroney and McEvoy teamed up to win the Melbourne Cup with Brew in 2000.

Divine Rebel comes into the 3200-metre Randwick feature after wins in the Epona Stakes and last start in the group two Chairman's Handicap (2600m), both with McEvoy aboard.

Moroney is delighted with Divine Rebel who faces her longest trip in the A$700,000 Cup.

"She's thrived up here. I thought her work on Tuesday morning was up to her best," he said.

"She has to step up to the two miles [3200m] but she's given every indication that she will handle it.

"We have our fingers crossed but until they do it you don't really know."

McEvoy boasts an impressive record on Divine Rebel having won at all of his three rides on the Don Eduardo 4-year-old, and he believes she will run the ultimate distance.

"She's in great shape for this race and the way she hit the line in the Chairman's told me she would handle the trip," he said.

"She's a lovely horse and I'm hoping we can continue our good record together."

Moroney took the punt on Glen Boss being available to ride stablemate Glistening in the Cup.

The stable paid up for Boss as the rider for the Sadler's Wells 7-year-old who is weighted on the minimum of 51kg.

However, Boss will ride the second emergency Joe Blow for master trainer Bart Cummings if the 4-year-old, also by Sadler's Wells, gains a start.

"We might have to put someone on a little bit overweight if Glen can't ride him," Moroney said.

"He's a good lightweight chance. He's one of the ones who will definitely get the distance."

Boss rode Glistening last start when he was beaten a nose by Eskimo Dan over 2500m at Moonee Valley on April 13.

"He hadn't had a run for quite a while and fitness told at the finish," Moroney said.

Two starts back Moroney said Glistening pulled up stressed after his eighth to Zavite in the group two Adelaide Cup (3200m).

"He's a proven two-mile horse but I don't know if everything was right that day.

"He was a very tired horse for a week after the run."

Randwick track manager Dave Hodgson rated the surface as slow last night and with showers forecast overnight and early this morning an upgrade appeared unlikely.

Divine Rebel has never raced on anything worse than dead, while Glistening won on a heavy track over 2400m at Sandown in June last year.

- AAP