We head to Moonee Valley this Friday night for a fantastic eight-race program. With Listed and Group racing just around the corner, who will stand up and put their name in lights?
Moonee Valley Race 5
#3 Lofty Star
Lofty Star looks poised to strike here after savaging the line last start at Sandown. The Zoustar gelding is ideally weighted after the apprentice claim, and from an inside draw, he should get the run of the race. The 2500m looks perfect for this stage of his preparation, and the firm track is advantageous.
Mr French can win here, dropping back significantly in grade. He has produced several wins this preparation, and his best form would have him in the finish on Friday night. The apprentice claim is positive, and the journey isn’t a concern.
Mr Blackwood can be thereabouts after a last-start victory at Moe. The gelding by Tavistock is ultra-consistent, and this looks well within his reach.
Suggested Bet: Lofty Star @ $16.00
Moonee Valley RACE 6
#2 Choquant
Choquant was a dominant winner at Cranbourne last start. It was a well-deserved maiden victory after a consistent campaign. The gelding by Shocking looks to have plenty of upside, and the Class 1 field shouldn’t cause the big boy any problems. The mile looks like his pet distance, and he should get a dream run in transit.
The Chris Waller-trained Yasuke looks talented. His win on debut at Sandown was impressive, and the colt by Maurice can go through his grades over the coming months. I expect him to be in the finish if he can find a spot in the running line from the tricky gate.
Diamond Model will set a hot tempo. Her performance at Pakenham first-up was solid, and she will be fitter from her latest outing. If she can pinch some cheap sectionals in the running, she may prove hard to run down.
Suggested Bet: Choquant @ $3.70
Moonee Valley Race 7
#4 Forest Diamond
Forest Diamond has an electric turn of foot. Her run at Sandown last start was breathtaking, and I expect her to peak third-up from a spell on Friday night. She finally reaches her proper distance, and I can’t wait to see her swoop over the top of them late.
Freedom Escape can run well despite the awkward barrier. His latest run at Sandown was full of merit, and he has a consistent preparation. The 2040m is advantageous, and he usually runs well at Moonee Valley.
Western Sun can run well after a freshen-up. He has been running well in better races and looks well-placed here. He is a must for all multiples and broader exotics.
Suggested Bet: Forest Diamond @ $12.00
Moonee Valley Race 8
#1 Elite Icon
Elite Icon is a Moonee Valley specialist. He excels over 1200m, and the Nicconi gelding is getting closer to his next win. The 2kg apprentice claim could prove a winning move, and I expect him to lead the field into the home straight. If they leave him alone in front, he may prove hard to run down.
Squami is racing in excellent order. His win at Terang two starts ago was rock-solid, and he was only narrowly beaten last start at Cranbourne. If he can stay out of the speed battle early, he may prove too strong late.
Red Phantom can play a key role from an inside draw. He usually runs well fresh, and I expect him to excel over the 1200m first-up. If he handles Moonee Valley, I expect him to be in the finish.
Suggested Bet: Elite Icon @ $5.50
