Night racing returns to Moonee Valley this Friday with a competitive and action-packed meeting. With eight tricky races on the program, find out who our experts are tipping to take home the cash!
Moonee Valley Race 5
#12 Starz Barwon
Starz Barwon was brave in defeat last start at Mornington. He was only caught in the shadows of the post despite covering more ground than the early settlers. He is putting together an impressive campaign, and if he has come through the gut-busting run unscathed, I expect him to be in the finish.
Sparring will start favourite after a luckless last-start performance. He is a winner at the track and distance, and when everything goes to plan, he looks like a talented galloper. Unfortunately, he also has the ability to produce a below-average run. If the right one turns up, he will be there when it matters.
Squizzy Mizzy looks well placed with the apprentice claim. Her fresh record must be respected, and her jump-outs leading into this have been first-class.
Suggested Bet: Starz Barwon @ $6.00
Moonee Valley RACE 6
#3 Three Rings
Three Rings heads into this event up and about after several impressive trials. The Zoustar gelding won his maiden last preparation in fast time, and the form out of that race stood up all spring. He has performed gamely in a Listed event previously, and he is well and truly better than a Benchmark 64 galloper. Damien Lane has options from barrier five, and if the big boy continues to improve naturally, he will be there when the whips are cracking.
Extravagant Choice looks over the odds after a dominant win at Cranbourne. The 1200m will be ideal for him third-up from a spell, and I expect him to be savaging the line late. He may need some luck with his pattern of racing at The Valley.
Jennilala will start favourite after a gutsy performance in a Listed event at Caulfield. She has had an excellent freshen-up since her latest outing and was a recent jump-out winner in good time. She can produce her massive turn of foot late with the right run in transit.
Suggested Bet: Three Rings @ $6.00
Moonee Valley Race 7
#1 Kentucky Casanova
Kentucky Casanova can win here despite needing to carry the grandstand to victory. The apprentice claim is advantageous, and the Artie Schiller gelding is racing in great heart. The lightly-raced five-year-old led them a merry dance on top of the speed last start, and I expect the same tactics to be employed on Friday night. He is rock-hard fit, and he may prove hard to run down.
Anilla is airborne. He has won all three Australian starts since arriving from Hong Kong. He looks well placed after the apprentice claim, and with the right run in transit, he can continue on his winning ways. He is tough and resilient and is growing in popularity amongst punters. Everyone loves a winner!
The Last Napoleon is a must for all wider exotics and multiples at cricket score odds. He always seems luckless in the running, but he never shirks the task. With even luck, he can play a role.
Suggested Bet: Kentucky Casanova @ $4.40
Moonee Valley Race 8
#5 Vientiane
Vientiane ran on well here last start against the pattern of the night. She produced sizzling late sectionals despite having little luck at a crucial stage. She looks dangerous from barrier one if Damien Oliver can be positive out of the barriers. I expect her to park just behind the speed, and if she gets get clear air on turning, she will be in the finish.
Bella Sorellina will have supporters after producing three great runs this campaign. She looks ideally placed with the apprentice claim and the significant class drop. The lightly raced Capitalist mare is racing in great spirit and has plenty of upside. I expect her to go through her grades in the coming months.
I can make a case for Impending Shadow at $61. She has been luckless this campaign, and I expect a peak performance on Friday night, third up from a spell. She can get the run of the race from barrier three, and with even luck, she can cause a massive boil-over in the lucky last.
Suggested Bet: Vientiane @ $10.00
