Night racing returns to Moonee Valley this Friday for the Group 1 William Reid meeting. With eight sensational races on the program, find out who our experts are keeping their eyes on!
Moonee Valley Race 5
#8 Revolutionary Miss
Revolutionary Miss brought the Group 1 Surround form to Flemington. The form out of this particular race is outrageous, and I expect it to hold up for the entire autumn. She flourished over the mile at headquarters, and she got off the canvas when it mattered the most. From a middle gate she can sit mid-field with cover, and if Michael Dee presses the go button at the right time, she will be too good for her rivals on Friday night.
En Francais can run a race at a decent price. The Jake Stephens trained five-year-old has been ultra-consistent in her career to date, and she deserves her shot at this level. The Puissance De Lune mare is a 1600m specialist, and she usually produces a peak run third-up from a spell.
Barb Raider can bounce back after failing to get the job done last start. She loomed to win, however, she fell short. From barrier four she should get the run of the race, and I expect Blake Shinn to present her as they are entering the home straight.
Suggested Bet: Revolutionary Miss @ $4.20
Moonee Valley RACE 6
#2 Unflinching
Unflinching is having a career defining campaign. The I Am Invincible gelding is winning for fun, and he looks hard to hold out from an inside draw. The 3kg apprentice claim is advantageous, and he has won four out of his five career starts at Moonee Valley. The Freedman polish will attract supporters, and I expect him to be in the finish with even luck.
Xtravagant Star can run a big race at a decent price. The Xtravagant filly was luckless in the Inglis Sprint, and her second-up record must be respected. The 955m looks ideal second-up, and the apprentice claim could prove a winning move. The wide barrier is the primary concern.
Foxicon will start favourite after two effortless wins this campaign. The Foxwedge mare is ideally drawn in barrier two, and the Peter Moody factor must be respected. She has been absolutely crunched since markets opened.
Suggested Bet: Unflinching @ $3.30
Moonee Valley Race 7
#11 Imperatriz
Imperatriz snatched defeated out of the jaws of victory at her Australian Debut. She was home and hosed until Artorius grabbed her in the shadows. Her career record is ultra-impressive, and on current form she is the one to beat. The I Am Invincible mare will have the run of the race for a middle gate, and she will look the winner inside the final furlong.
September Run can bounce back after a luckless run in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap. She never looked comfortable, and the bird had flown before she got out of the traffic jam. Her first-up run behind Coolongatta was noble, and I expect a peak performance on Friday Night.
Chain Of Lightning is getting into the habit of finding dead ends. Her best performance would see her figure, however I am unsure Moonee Valley will suit her pattern of racing. The Fighting Sun mare is due for a change in luck!
Suggested Bet: Imperatriz @ $3.30
Moonee Valley Race 8
#5 Belmia
I am very bullish about Belmia at the double figure odds. The Bel Esprit filly chased home a smart one at her latest outing, and she is knocking on the door! Her late sectionals against the track bias were outrageous, and she still has improvement to come for the preparation. She will thrive over the mile!
Papillon Club will start a short-priced favourite after a sensational campaign to date. The Toronado filly looks ideally placed at the level weights, and she should be rock hard-fit for this stage of her preparation. The track and distance record is the primary concern.
Jenny Jerome will have supporter after a luckless last-start performance. The Churchill filly has been going through her grades successful this campaign, and she deserves her shot at this level. She comes into all winning conversations from an inside draw.
Suggested Bet: Belmia @ $10.00
