Racing
Moreira shooting for G1 double in Brazilian features
A star in Singapore and Hong Kong and one the global stage, it is two homeland Group 1s in Joao Moreira's sights this weekend.
After riding two winners in Japan last Sunday, Joao Moreira takes the reins of two genuine chances at Gavea in Brazil tomorrow with recent Group 1 Grande Premio Brazil (2400m) Obataye, and smart filly Star Do Iguassu in the Group 1 Gran Premio Jockey Club de Sao Paulo.
"They are two very healthy horses and I have been on both a number of times since their last runs," Moreira said.
Are they the best horses in their field? It is a different question.
"Both have been good to me and I wouldn't choose to ride any other horses in these races."
Three-year-old filly Star Do Iguassu is aiming to claim another leg of Sao Paolo's quadruple crown after taking out the Group 1 Grande Prêmio Ipiranga (1600m) in early September starting as race favourite and continuing her strong association with the star jockey.
Her four starts this preparation have been near faultless with three wins and a second placing, with that one defeat coming with a strong finish by less than a length.
While the stakes are high for the filly, Moreira partnered mare Obataye to end a year-long Group 1 drought in the Grande Premio Matias Machline (2000m) - the equivalent of the USA's Breeders' Cup on the same day as Star Do Iguassu's second placing.
This assignment in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (2000m) is another testing task for the five-year-old but the stylish victory on a day where Moreira won three races at the highest level had him praising her recovery from issues in the weeks leading in.
"Obataye wining last time, sure it boosts his confidence, but not just his, the team too," he added.
"I am seeing all the staff around him working hard to make sure he got back to his best, and I believe it has been accomplished.
"She looks gorgeous and should be able to bring her 'A game' to the races again."
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