We head to Moonee Valley for a quality racing program, with spring racing fast approaching. With ten stunning races on offer and sensational weather forecasted, a bumper crowd will be front and centre this Saturday!
Moonee Valley Race 7
#2 Milford
Milford is knocking on the door. All runs this preparation have been full of merit, and his next win is just around the corner. The Savabeel gelding snatched defeat from the jaws of victory two starts back at Flemington, and he was luckless at his latest outing at Moonee Valley. He should be rock hard-fit at this stage of the preparation, and with a change of fortune, he can win on Saturday. His recent winning record is the primary concern.
Floating Artist is edging towards a peak run for the campaign. The Nathaniel gelding traditionally races well at this stage of his preparation and always performs well at the track. His latest outing was ominous, and he could make his presence felt late from the perfect inside draw. The apprentice claim plays in his favour, and he has been well supported in early betting.
Flash Flood is a winning machine. The Night Of Thunder gelding loves a challenge, and he looked good stepping out over the longer journey last start. From barrier four, he will roll forward and set the tempo, and if he can stack them up before they pass the school, he can kick away and win—the length of his preparation may be his downfall.
Suggested Bet: Milford @ $3.10
Moonee Valley RACE 8
#8 Union Gap
Union Gap was game in defeat at his latest outing at Rosehill. The 2400m suited the Redwood gelding, and he will appreciate the step out to 2500m. He should be rock-hard fit after putting plenty of miles in the legs this campaign, and he will lead the field a merry dance in his favourite role as race leader. It will take a talented customer to run down the Maher and Eustace-trained five-year-old.
Botany will have supporters after an impressive last-start win over 2400m. The American Pharoah mare has been ultra-consistent in all preparation and deserves her shot at this level. The 1.5kg apprentice claim puts her into all winning conversations, and I suspect she has the fitness edge over most of her rivals. This is her acid test.
Mathew can win despite the carpark draw. The Tavistock gelding is racing in great spirit, and he was a dominant winner at Sale at his latest outing. The lightly-raced five-year-old is on an upward trajectory, and if he can take the next step up in grade on Saturday, he can figure in the finish. The Patrick Payne polish can never be underestimated.
Suggested Bet: Union Gap @ $6.00
Moonee Valley Race 9
#1 Acromantula
Acromantula turned heads at a recent trial. The Written Tycoon gelding recorded a blistering time, and if he can produce a similar turn of foot around The Valley, he will be hard to toss. His first-up record is enviable, and he is a 1000m specialist. From the middle gate, he will roll forward and go faster than last week’s pay, and if he can pinch a break before they run for the judge, it will be curtains on before the final bend.
Omni Man comes to Melbourne chasing four wins on the trot. He should be undefeated for the preparation and has never failed on this trip. The Gai Waterhouse factor will attract market support, and I suspect he will get a dream run in transit from barrier one. The I Am Invincible gelding is a sectional beast, and if the rivals allow him to dictate early, the fat lady will be warming up the vocal cords a long way from home.
Inundation can continue his love affair with the Moonee Valley circuit. The Headwater gelding broke the track record first-up last campaign and was touted as the new boom horse. He had excuses second-up with heat distress, and he became expensive for punters to follow when he got tossed again as an odds-on favourite third-up. His best is good enough if he is 100% sound.
Suggested Bet: Acromantula @ $7.50
Moonee Valley Race 10
#9 Cute As
Cute As can keep her undefeated record intact on Saturday. She takes on the older horses for the first time and thoroughly deserves her opportunity at this level. The Thronum mare should have the fitness edge on the majority of her rivals, and I expect her to lead the field into the home straight. She looks excellent each-way value!
Calico Jack can run a drum at cricket score odds. The Merchant Navy gelding will appreciate the significant drop in grade, and he looks well placed at Benchmark 70 level. If he can find some cover from the horror draw and is presented with his run at the right time, he can threaten late. The allocated weight is the primary concern.
Helix looks poised to strike first-up from a spell. The Flying Artie Artie gelding showed promise in his debut campaign, and all runs were full of merit. The form around him stands up, and I suspect he has further natural improvement to come. The Valley will suit, and with even luck in transit, I expect him to figure in the finish. It may pay dividends to watch the market for any significant market support.
Suggested Bet: Cute As @ $6.50
