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By Graeme White

Potential is one thing but continually rising to the next level is another and that is where Hardy ($1.70 favourite on TAB) and Mittata ($7) are positioned as they square off at Moruya on Sunday.

It’s not often two lightly raced gallopers with impressive, albeit brief, race records face each other so soon in their careers which on appearances look set to flourish in the years ahead.

Hardy has only raced once for an impressive victory at Wagga as a three-year-old in April, while Mittata won easily first-up from a break at Moruya on August 3.

Race fitness is on the side of Mittata who co-trainer Emma Longmire believes has the potential to be the best horse she has prepared alongside her training twin sister, Lucy.

“He obviously has talent, but they have to keep doing it,” Longmire said. “He is definitely up to Country Championships class if he keeps going and he was dominant in his maiden win. I don’t think he is a sprinter and is more of a middle-distance to a mile type of horse.”

Mittata was still physically and mentally developing according to Longmire when he was placed in his two starts earlier this year. The gelding resumed with a runaway victory after 25 weeks in maiden grade and finds a stiff test of his ability in the Club Narooma and Club Dalmeny Class 2 (1200m).

It’s not only Mittata and Hardy that will attract interest, but also impressive last start winner Princess De Roca ($4.40) which has already won twice from five starts. The mare was scratched from Kembla Grange on Saturday in preference for this easier assignment and will be ridden by Jeff Penza from a perfect gate in barrier two.

The Jamie Stewart-trained Scottish Soldier ($18) has been consistent of late and has an undeniable chance.

Hardy’s trainer Luke Pepper is always a force at Moruya and is pleased to have his up and coming galloper back at the races.

“He is definitely above average and has got to come back after winning his first start,” Pepper said. “He's in terrific order and could have started at Wagga last week, but the track was heavy so this was the next option. The gate is good and I was happy with how he trialled.”

The well-bred galloper by I Am Invincible has been a work in progress after completing his initial training with John O’Shea: “He trialled at Randwick, then fractured his pelvis and ended up in Queensland for his rehabilitation and was also gelded,” Pepper said.

“I was very pleased to get the horse to train and he was good winning from a wide gate when he led at Wagga. “He has drawn in closer this time and doesn’t have to lead, but is a push-button horse who will be right there.”

Hardy was able to win first-up over 1300 metres at Wagga which is why Pepper has no concerns with the 1200 metres at Moruya. The galloper wasn’t extended when third in a recent trial at Goulburn with race jockey Brodie Loy aboard.

Meanwhile, Mittata will be one of two runners for the Longmire’s in the race and one of three starters at the meeting. Design And Dance will resume racing, while Judicator will back-up after racing at Canberra last week: “Design And Dance is a backmarker who will be running on late,” Longmire added.

The feature race at Moruya is the $27,000 Tomakin Club South Coast Cup (1400m) where Cyborg ($4 equal fav) will be chasing three straight wins. Ideally drawn in barrier one, Cyborg has been impressive with wins at Narrandera and Wagga.

Canberra trainer Keith Dryden is represented by Balansa ($19) and Balonne ($17). The consistent Up Trumps ($4 eq fav) has finished third at his past four starts as he edges towards earnings of $300,000.

Last-start winner I’m The Business ($5) will start after being scratched from Kembla Grange on Saturday.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Moruya here