Group 1 action returns to Moonee Valley this Friday night with the running of the Moir Stakes over 1000m, and what a cracking field we have set to line up!
The Moir is also supported by the Group 3 JRA Cup, the Group 2 Stutt Stakes and the Group 2 Stocks Stakes.
The track is currently in the Good range but expect that to be downgraded to at least Soft with plenty of rain predicted on Thursday and Friday.
We have betting tips for all 8 races on the card, with an in depth look at the runnnig of the Moir Stakes.
Race 1 - Mr Individual
Race 2 - Ken's Dream / Apiata E/W (best value)
Race 3 - Real Love
Race 4 - Aunty Mo
Race 5 - Detective
Race 6 - Don't Doubt Mamma / Jessy Belle E/W
Race 7 - Chautauqua (best bet) (Full preview below)
Race 8 - Sebring Sun
Best Bet: Race 7 Chautauqua
Think he is the best horse in the race and the pace on up front will set the race up perfectly for him to swoop over the top. With any luck at all I think he wins this. See below for a full preview of this race and take advantage of the boosted price promotion at Ladbrokes.
Best Value: Race 2 Apiata
Won a maiden at Ballarat back in June and was immediately sent for a spell. Returns here and I think he may be pretty smart. Gets a perfect run from barrier 3 and at $8.50 he is a great each way bet.
Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes 1000m - Group 1
Cracking field assembled for the Group 1 Moir Stakes over 1000m, with all eyes on star sprinter Chautauqua who races for the first time since his freakish win in Hong Kong.
This is a seriously hot field with four Group 1 winners engaged and the tempo of the race looks fierce, which should suit the likes of Chautauqua coming from the back.
Lets take a look at the runners:
BUFFERING: Attempting to win his fourth Moir Stakes! First up here where he's won 9 from 12, and he's undefeated over his track and distance. If he can control the race from the front he could be very hard to get past!
CHAUTAUQUA: Huge prep last time in with three Group 1 wins and a Group 1 placing, including a win in the Hong Kong Chairman's sprint. First up where he's won 5 from 6 and although maybe better suited over 1200m, he's undefeated over 1000m and has won both starts at the track. Will get tempo to suit and with any luck he wins.
LUCKY HUSSLER: Always around the mark in these races and often finds a bit of trouble. Will need luck from barrier 2 here but if the right run comes he will be competitive.
BALL OF MUSCLE: Has the speed to lead and may well try and hold out Buffering, but can also take a sit if needed. Good effort first up in Group 2 company where he was narrowly defeated and did run 2nd in this race last year. Will be competitive but might find a few too good.
REDZEL: Two from two this prep in Listed and Group 3 company. Deserves a shot at this race but may just be one level below the better sprinters in this race. Another that can lead and from barrier 1 may try to do so.
WILD RAIN: Also two from two this prep in Group 3 and Group 2 company so deserves her place here. Loves this track and distance with three wins from four starts. Has been leading recently but may take a sit from the wide barrier today and with the expected pace on up front.
HEATHERLY: Good win over track and distance first up before missing the start and running on well to finish 3rd behind Wild Rain last start. Has the early pace to lead but she's missed the start in a jump out too so that is a small query. Capable of running a big race.
CHLOE IN PARIS: Very talented mare that has been off the track for 538 days. Definitely has ability but she might need this after so long off the track. Drawn to get a good run just off the speed, interesting one to watch going forward.
EXTREME CHOICE: Hugely impressive in his 2YO year, winning the Blue Diamond before a couple of forgiving runs in Sydney. 3YO's taking on the older horses at WFA is always a big concern of mine, and there is always a query around horses returning for the first time as a 3YO. Price looks very short to me and happy to risk here.
1st CHAUTAUQUA
2nd BUFFERING
3rd HEATHERLY
4th LUCKY HUSSLER
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
