Welcome to our preview and horse racing betting tips for racing at Moonee Valley on Friday, February 1st.
We’ve got eight races on a Good 4 track with the rail in the True position.
Check out our betting tips for every race on the card below!
MOONEE VALLEY RACING TIPS
Best Bet: Race 2 Sequitur
Best Value Bet: Race 5 Plateau Gold
RACE 1
So much about this race screams don’t bet. We have two Darren Weir runners engaged, one of which is on debut, so it’s anyone’s guess how they’ll perform given the circumstances of the past few days. Outside of those, we have a further six runners on debut. If I had a gun to my head I’d have something each way on the Godolphin debutant Vivaro, who jumped out well enough at Flemington last Friday. It’s also his second preparation given he had a jumpout back in September but never made it to the races. I think that’s a positive and the stable’s two-year-old’s are flying.
RACE 2
Looks a nice race for Sequitur to resume in. She ran 2nd on debut at Sandown Lakeside back in August when beaten by Alexandra Dreaming, who then started $4.40 in the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes. Sequitur should either lead or box seat from barrier 1 (preferably lead) and be hard to run down, as her price suggests. Again we have a DK Weir horse to consider, which is current second-favourite Sunrise Dancer. She’s placed in five of her six career starts so far. The Great Bratski should go forward and give a sight, while Duke Of Magnus ran well first up and can go well again.
RACE 3
Three Weir runners involved so another tricky one to assess. San Remo went close over this track and distance back in November and has been mixing his form a touch but the step back up to 3000m is a positive for him and he should get his chance. Benall has some good recent form including a last-start win. The query with him is the weight rise, the wide barrier and his poor record at Moonee Valley. Bringit bolted in two starts back over 2500m at this track so if he rediscovered that form he’d be right in this, while stablemate Maunahost comes off a maiden win and has seemed to turn the corner in his past few starts. He should be able to measure up in this grade at double figure odds.
RACE 4
Playing the two Mick Price-trained horses at the top of the market here. I’ll put Senrima Tide on top after a sound last-start win at Sandown Lakeside over Cincinnati Red. Has a good record at this distance and now third up, can win again. Draws well. Silverhawk was very disappointing at Flemington last start, having won both starts this preparation. He failed badly to be beaten 6L. His two wins prior to that were solid though, so if he can overturn that last run he should be competitive.
RACE 5
Plenty of queries about both favourites here. Crown Witness returns from a spell. Her last win was back in August 2017 and she’s obviously had problems since then as she’s only had two starts since, both in separate preparations. Not to mention her former trainer was one of the trainers caught up in the Robert Smerdon scandal. So there’s plenty of questions regarding her leading into this. Condor Heroes makes his stable debut for the Lindsay Park team after being transferred from Gerald Ryan in Sydney. His best form would certainly see him be competitive in this but he’s another one that’s hard to judge first up for the new stable. Expect him to roll forward from barrier 11. Plateau Gold looks huge odds to my eye. He ran 2nd over this track and distance last start after leading and his third up record suggests he may have some improvement to come. He’s certainly no spring chicken at the age of nine but if he was to find the lead without too much disturbance, he could run another very bold race. Pravro should appreciate a good speed and is always thereabouts in these races.
RACE 6
Been a good go early for Twitchy Frank who draws barrier 1 and drops back from 1400m to 1200m tonight. She drew barrier 1 at Caulfield two starts ago and won well so it’s no surprise to see her well-backed here. Obviously has the Weir cloud hanging over her head though. I’m sticking with Island Daze who impressed on her stable debut for Graham Begg. She showed plenty of promise early in her career but went off the boil before her stable change, so it was very encouraging to see her return in the fashion she did at Sandown. Drawn well here and can go on with things. Dancing Tycoon next best.
RACE 7
Mosh Music comes up the short-priced (and well-backed) favourite here after missing narrowly at Sandown last start. That was only in a small field of five runners; she settled last and just couldn’t make up the ground with the moderate tempo. Up to 2000m now should suit but the wide gate might give her a bit of a tougher task. Her first up victory was very impressive and it seems she’s looking for the extra trip now so she’s the one to beat. I think Shaq represents a decent each way bet at $6.00 though. He draws barrier 1 and returns to Melbourne after running 3rd in Sydney last start. He won in Melbourne two starts ago and should get all the favours from that draw. Into Rio is racing in good form and will be competitive.
RACE 8
What a great race to finish off with. Lecture returns from a spell tonight and arguably should be undefeated from three career starts. Linda Meech comes to the Valley for just the one ride tonight and this is it. Looks hard to beat. Anolass has recorded two wins on the trot, following up an easy win at Hanging Rock with an even easier win at Ararat. Not a stable/jockey combo you’d be too familiar with in town but I’m respecting the horse. Lakhoni is undefeated from two starts when first up and at $9.50 probably represents the best value in the race. Good Therapy was good first up and has a great second up record. Damien Oliver keeps the ride for Clinton McDonald and the horse should go very close. The main query is the horror draw. Expansion also has obvious claims.
