Group 2 racing returns to Moonee Valley this Saturday with the running of the Australia Stakes. With autumn just around the corner, who will stand up and announce themselves on this bumper card of summer racing?
Moonee Valley Race 6
#6 Luna Cat
Luna Cat produced an eye-catching finish fresh at Sandown. The mare by Puissance De Lune nearly broke the clock, and she should get every chance to sit closer and win from an inside draw. The 1200m is ideal second-up, and she is a winner previously at the track.
Quraysha is in career best form. Two starts back she came out and demolished her rivals before being pipped on the post at her latest outing. The apprentice claim could be a winning move, and I expect the mare by I Am Invincible to be attacking the line late.
Danny’s St Darci was an impressive last start winner. She is ideally drawn in barrier one, and she has performed well in this grade previously. She will sit on the leaders back throughout before flashing to the post.
Suggested Bet: Luna Cat @ $3.50
Moonee Valley RACE 7
#6 Snapper
Snapper is flying. He showed them a clean pair of heels last start at Flemington, and he meets a very similar field here. He usually runs well at the track, and he was Group 1 competitive during the spring. From barrier five, I expect Jye Mcneil to take the five-year-old gelding to the top of the speed and lead them in a merry dance. He will prove hard to run down if he gets his own way in front.
The airborne Jigsaw will start favourite after putting three consecutive wins together. From barrier two he will get a dream run in-transit, and I would be surprised if he wasn’t in the finish.
Calypso Reign can run well here fresh. He has a brilliant first-up record, and he has performed well at Moonee Valley previously. His trial leading into this was first class. His record at the distance puts him into all winning conversations.
Suggested Bet: Snapper @ $4.40
Moonee Valley Race 8
#1 Deep Speed
Deep Speed peaks here third-up from a spell. He was luckless fresh before running gamely on a hot speed last start. He is well placed back in this grade, and jumping from a middle gate is advantageous for the Deep Field gelding. He can get the job done at a decent price on Saturday.
Exeter has been racing well without winning in better races. Damien Oliver takes the ride, and he looks well placed despite being allocated 62kg. From barrier five I expect the gelding by Fastnet Rock to be vying for the lead in the early stages. If he can find the front without using too much petrol, he will be hard to toss.
Kaliuwaa Falls can run well despite rising sharply in grade. 1200m might be too fast for him at this stage of the campaign, and I would prefer to see him compete over 1600m and beyond.
Suggested Bet: Deep Speed @ $10.00
Moonee Valley Race 9
#4 Worsfold
Worsfold looks one of the better bets on the program. The Nick Ryan trained gelding has put two impressive wins together this campaign, and the form out of the relevant races are strong. He meets a similar field here, and I expect him to win again with the in-form Blake Shinn aboard.
Monarch Of Egypt can run well despite being drawn off the track. He looked the winner last start, and he beat all bar Worsfold. He can peak here third-up from a spell, and with any luck from the gate he will be in the finish again.
Netanyahu is a must for wider exotics. He deserves his shot at this grade after a career defining preparation. He is ultra-consistent, and a win here at good odds wouldn’t shock.
Suggested Bet: Hennessy Lad @ $2.70
