Night racing returns to The Valley on AFL Grand Final Eve with a big crowd expected on course.
There are eight races scheduled on the night with the first getting underway at 6:15pm.
The track is currently rated a Soft 7 and the main race of the night comes in race seven with the running of the Moir Stakes.
Brendan Bunworth provides his analysis and best bets for the night!
Moonee Valley Racing Tips: Friday September 23rd
Race 1
(2) Shalaman won at this track on a Soft 6 last time and the form surrounding here is standing up as well. Matt Laurie has her super fit now and the 1200m does seem to be his pet distance. He jumps from barrier four and Ben Melham will have the opportunity to push for the lead or take the sit on the Shalaa/Our Daisy colt.
(1) El Padrino has Jamie Kah on top after running well first up at this track on August 20 in a Listed race. iInce then, he had a comfortable jumpout at Cranbourne where he ran second and he is ready for this.
(5) Sandpaper will go better deeper into the Spring, but he can run well fresh here. He does get back, but I think he will be hitting the line strongly.
(6) Sketched has had a little break since winning well at Mornington and this is his toughest assignment yet. Oliver on is a plus.
(2) Shalaman WIN
$4.00 (2 Units)
Race 2
(7) English Riviera is third up and fitter and has run two decent races since her break. It was an easy win first up then she ran on well for fourth in a Listed race at Flemington last time. Barrier five should be a good gate for her an i expect her to be running on speed throughout.
(9) Ghaanati ran 10th in the same race as English Riviera last time but didn’t have much luck. She has barrier one this time and Ollie should give her a nice run in transit.
(5) Bound for Home is first up after a six week freshen up and is one to watch. Her recent Donald jumpout was quite good and before that in was a nice Group 3 victory at Caulfield. She is first up at the track and if he handles The Valley she should run well.
(4) Troach, a winner of the Listed Atlantic Jewell keeps the services of Craig Williams on and is a definite place chance. Barrier 10 is a slight concern. Draws better and she is probably the second selection.
(7) English Riviera WIN
$4.00 (2 Units)
Race 3
(3) Clemenceau is one for one at the track & distance and is a speedy type. She has won four from seven and it was a good first up effort at Rosehill last time when second and he was trialing well before that. The Hawkes Team rate him and he should pick up a couple over The Spring. From barrier seven, Jye McNeil will likely try to settle fourth, one out, one back or sixth on the outside. He knows the Valley and should get around the home turn well.
(5) Pioneer River might try and come over and lead from barrier 13 and if it is a leaders track he will be in front for a long way.
(7) Snapper is first up after two recent jumpouts and will settle on speed. I'm just not sure he will be fit enough yet when the whips are cracking. Next time?
(8) Zethus is another one resuming but might save energy from barrier one. Goes good well and just needs to start better.
(3) Clemenceau WIN
$2.50 (4 Units)
Race 7
(12) Coolangatta was backed by punters to win the Group 2 McKewan last start when second, but I reckon Maher & Eustace have her fitter now. Barrier one is a bit tricky but if he can position up behind the leader and get the run of the race and I think he has a big chance to win at odds that are currently overs. She has seen the Valley before for a third and it did look like she handled the tighter circuit.
(2) Paulele trialed very well and has always been set for this assignment first up after a four-month spell. He is one from one here and has had success on Soft ground previously.
(4) Zoustyle can lead this race for a long way if Ollie can control the pace. He is another who seems to like the track and he has won four from seven on Soft tracks.
(5) The Inferno will be one of the strongest late and opposite to Zoustyle, if the pace is on, he can storm home over the last 100m.
(12) Coolangatta WIN
$10.00 (1 Unit)
