Racing: Moroney hopes Derby colt will jump back to best form

SYDNEY - - Monaco Consul is the unknown quantity in Saturday's AJC Australian Derby at Randwick but not even his connections are sure whether he can turn his form around.

The New Zealander, who arrived in Sydney yesterday, established himself as one of the top staying 3-year-olds last year with wins in the Spring Champion Stakes and Victoria Derby.

But three lacklustre runs since his triumph at Flemington have left co-trainers Paul and Michael Moroney scratching their heads.

"If he brings his A-game he can win the race, there's no doubt about it," Paul Moroney said.

"Our question mark is the fact he's had a long season and we don't know whether that might come into play on Saturday. The indications are that it won't, but you never know.

"He's had to come over and have another trip on the plane and while he's bounced through that, he ate well last night and drank well, you've just got to have that little question mark in the back of your mind."

That question mark is also in the minds of punters.

Monaco Consul has been beaten a combined total of more than 28 lengths at his past three starts.

However, unlike many in the blue riband, he has proven he can stay, he handles rain-affected ground, he has won at Randwick and has proven himself a group one performer.

TAB Sportsbet has him at $18 for the Derby with Rosehill Guineas winner Zabrasive the $3 favourite ahead of the horse he narrowly beat in that race, Rock Classic at $4.

Moroney said they were expecting Monaco Consul to be heading into the AJC Derby in top form.

Damien Oliver jumps aboard on Saturday and Monaco Consul has drawn well in gate four and should get his favoured rain-affected ground.

"We had a very firm game plan that wasn't adhered to [in the NZ Derby])," Moroney said.

"We actually wanted him to lead ... we knew there would be no speed in the New Zealand Derby and that's why we wanted him to go forward.

"He's drawn a good barrier this week and with the track conditions the way they're likely to be it's going to be a test of stamina anyway so he won't be out to force any pace.

"We'll probably just drop him in and ride him exactly how he was ridden in the Spring Champion Stakes."

Monaco Consul will wear a tongue tie in the Derby and Moroney has elected to revert to pacifiers, rather than blinkers.

He said the colt had put on 5kg since the New Zealand Derby on March 6 but would strip down to his usual racing weight come Saturday.

His work routine has also been varied.

Among the different tactics was a session over some jumps.AAP

- AAP