Like many at tomorrow’s meeting, Moor will have a heavy heart following the death of legendary Warrnambool trainer Jocka Baillie, one of only three to have prepared both Warrnambool Cup and Grand Annual Steeplechase winners.

Baillie, who passed away on Tuesday morning, played a big part in Moor’s formative years as a jockey before the hoop moved to Melbourne and it’s those memories which will tug on his heart strings.

“My dad Brendan was apprenticed to Jocka,” Moor said. “I spent a lot of time down at Jocka’s stables when I was growing up. 

“My family and his family are lifelong friends. I was apprenticed to Rob Blacker but rode trackwork for Jocka with the likes of Paul Richards and Trevor Murphy.

“This will be the first time that I’ve ridden at Warrnambool when Jocka is not there. 

“It’ll be a different sort of day not only for me but for a fair few others that go to the local races because he was always there. 

“It would be a great result if I could win the Woodford Cup and dedicate it to Jocka.”

Moor, who has ridden more than 650 winners during his career, revealed to The Standard Baillie initially advised him not to become a jockey.

“I can still remember having a long chat with Jocka before I started riding,” the 30-year-old said.

“Jocka told me all the pitfalls about being a jockey — things like weight, dieting and early morning starts but I kept on telling Jocka I want to be a jockey.

“Once Jocka could see I really wanted to be a jockey he backed me to the hilt. 

“He suggested I head to Melbourne to continue my apprenticeship with Ray Lawson at Flemington.”

Moor rates the six-year-old Stratigraphy one of the key hopes in the $35,000 race,  to be run over 1700 metres.

“I think Stratigraphy is a good hope in a very even field,” he said. “I’ve ridden him at his last couple of runs and he’s running well. 

“He should be suited to the big track and should go well.”

The Woodford Cup is race six on a big eight-race program. It is scheduled to start at 4.28pm.