Moonee Valley Racing Tips for Friday January 27th

Moonee Valley will an eight-race card on Friday night, kicking off at 6:30pm and highlighted by the running of the Group 2 Australia Stakes over 1200 metres. With a solid week of warm weather in Melbourne, the track should play as a Good 3 with the rail in the true position once again. The track played well last week and we can expect the same under lights for this meet.

Moonee Valley Racing Tips - Friday January 27th

Race 1

Pretty poor race to kick off the evening, so if you’re stuck in Friday night traffic trying to get to the track, just relax and take your time as your delay might just be saving you money! Watch the market for any money coming for debutants Handsome Thief and Marquant. Big John Cannon is resuming and looks hard to beat but the price is particularly short. Think there’s a bit more value in backing LAYNE’S STAR who will be on speed and has placed over this trip at her last three starts.

Tip: Layne’s Star

Race 2

Property would have annihilated this field, so it was a good decision to run him in the Blue Diamond Preview on Australia Day instead! Too many unknowns in this field to have much confidence. There has been some support for La Chica Rossa, but I would be looking to nibble at the value offered by COROGLEN who trialled well, Zarpoya and Balle D’Or.

Tip: Coroglen E/W

Race 3

Now we’re getting serious with plenty of speed in this 1000m sprint. Favourite Angry Gee has been racing in better company on Saturdays, but hasn’t been able to break through. Back in grade here but maps awkwardly wide, so happy to take him on. Johnny Roo Boy and PUNT CLUB will be up on the speed and give a great sight coming into the straight at good odds. Predicting Punt Club to come over the top and grab it late, but watch for Military to motor home if the rail is off as a great value bet.

Tip: Punt Club

Race 4

Looks a battle between the top two but this looks an easier assignment for FUDGED and the support has come for her. Looks well setup over the mile and has been racing against horses more talented than this lot. Shewearsthepants may be the knockout hope.

Tip: Fudged

Race 5

This race looks well suited for DANCE WITH FONTEIN and we’re getting a good price to find out. Has been racing well recently, has won at course and distance and maps nicely to sit in behind the leaders. The biggest challenge will come from the front running Petite’s Reward. If Dance With Fontein hits any trouble in running then Petite’s Reward looks best placed to capitalize. However with clear running Dance With Fontein should be able to grab it late.

Tip: Dance With Fontein

Race 6

Like the chances of ON WINGS here. A very consistent runner, he was slow out of the gates last start but still ran on well for third at Caulfield. The distance should be no worries and he looks well suited. The value looks to be in Get Ya Kicks and Star Zone who will both appreciate the trip.

Tip: On Wings (Best Bet)

Race 7 - Australia Stakes

The Group 2 Australia Stakes over 1200m looks a cracking race on paper with plenty of star horses from the Spring resuming here. Many will be looking to build on their preparations over longer distances with three horses clearly best suited over this trip.

Malaguerra has an impressive strike rate and has won two Group 1 races over this distance, but an awkward gate and the short straight of The Valley may count against him against this sort of company.

CHETWOOD is another with an excellent winning strike rate and maps well for this on the back of Sirbible up on speed. Should enjoy the tight turns at Moonee Valley and there has been plenty of support to suggest he can topple the favourite.

The favourite is of course BLACK HEART BART who is an incredible beast and a Group 1 winner over this distance. Bart has shown he is able to adapt to different distances and racing patterns, and he certainly gets a challenge. Performs well fresh and never runs a bad race. Will no doubt be in the finish but can he hold them out?

Finding it hard to split Chetwood and BHB, and I would suggest backing one and saving the other. The support is definitely with Chetwood so I’ll be taking the early price and then saver/back BHB later if he drifts.

Tip: Chetwood/Black Heart Bart

Race 8

Broadway and First has been in good form this campaign and will be hard to hold out in this but there’s not much to get excited about with the price. Theanswerismyfriend looks a promising type resuming here and should be right in the finish. However going with the expected leader in MORAL OUTRAGE who offers tremendous each-way value at $10. Was dominant at Pakenham leading all the way, and third up here, the added fitness should see him get out in front and hold on all the way.

Tip: Moral Outrage E/W (Best Value)