Racing: Viz Vitae trying for Cups

Cambridge stayer Viz Vitae will further his Melbourne Cup preparation with a run in the listed $100,000 Toyota AFL-JRA Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley tonight.

Trainer Murray Baker said the Shinko King 5-year-old would contest the night race with Greg Childs aboard.

"I'm happy enough with him. It remains to be seen whether he's up to the class but he's a staying horse and he deserves the opportunity," Baker said.

Winner of the Remuera Cup and Bay Of Plenty Cup, Viz Vitae won over 2100m at Ellerslie on September 10 to take his record to eight wins from 25 starts.

But he is still to qualify for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

Baker described tonight's race as "another run on the way through".

"Even if he can't qualify for the Cups he can run in some nice races over there," Baker said.

Baker hopes to qualify Viz Vitae for the Cups by winning the group two Winning Edge Presentation Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield on October 8.

The group one Caulfield Cup (2400m) is the following week. Viz Vitae has 49.5kg in both Cups.

Tonight's race has drawn a strong field headed by Melbourne Cup hopefuls Show Barry, Frightening and El Segundo.

At the same meeting, former Waikato galloper Kounthekash could contest the $50,000 Guests Furniture Hire Handicap.

- NZPA