Moonee Valley (28/01)

Moonee Valley 28/01

Race One
1.Master Harry - 5.Tassa Avanti - 4.Umgeton - 2.Chelembra

Master Harry looked like a very promising horse in his first campaign and should prove too good in this small field. Tassa Avanti showed plenty of speed at her first start and will be the one to run down.

Race Two
9.Shivoo - 10.There's Only One - 6.Skimalong - 1.Coldens Choice

In what looks a very even race, I'm expecting a big run from little filly Shivoo. She has been consistent in similar grade recently, and with a feather weight will be right in the finish. There's Only One and Skimalong will also be around the mark with the latter wearing blinkers for the first time.

Race Three
1.Star Of Jeune - 5.Pento Diablo - 4.Montgomery - 2.Family Bliss

In a typical 3000m Moonee Valley staying test, it is a mixture of old war horses and up and comers. Star Of Jeune fits into the latter category and after running a close second at his last start, will prove hard to beat, even with the big weight. Pento Diablo and Montgomery certainly relish the trip and will make it hard for the favourite.

Race Four
5.Emma Princess - 6.Stack Em - 1.Pyrenees Express - 9.Lis Nediym

The 955m challenge has been a great success under lights at Moonee Valley, and this edition shouldn't disappoint. Emma Princess has plenty of pace and appreciates the sharp turning track, so from barrier 2 I'm expecting a big race. Stack Em and Pyrenees Express look set for greater challenges and will be closing late.

Race Five
4.Apennine - 7.Comocean - 3.Monthalia - 1.Manila Jewel

The first quaddie leg looks to be a very even mare's race. Apennine has been consistent without winning over Summer, but I'm willing to give her another chance. From barrier 5 she should get a gun run, and will be hard to hold out. You could throw a blanket over the rest of the field, with Comocean the best of the rest.

Race Six
9.Typhoon Tracy - 8.Undeniably - 4.Whitefriars - 2.Heart Of Dreams

The reigning Horse Of The Year, Typhoon Tracy, resumes after what was a lacklustre (by her standards) spring campaign. This race looks to be at her mercy if she is at her best, but if she lacks fitness, she could be run off her legs by improving youngster Undeniably. Interesting to see how the back markers (Vigor, Heart Of Dreams) run, on their way to the Australian Cup.

Race Seven
2.Cross Street - 9.Kid Kapone - 6.Rebel Truce - 8.Cavendish

The meeting doesn't get any easier with another even field contesting the third leg of the quaddie. Cross Street has always shown promise and ability, but has also proven to be costly. I'm willing to give him another chance ahead of a list of contenders. Kid Kapone and Rebel Truce have shown ability in lesser grades and could be the testing material for these.

Race Eight
7.Disco Dan - 9.Fomalite - 8.Itimo - 4.Zizz

Another even field lines up for the 'Legends After The Last' Rating 78 to end the night's program. After winning in similar company at Moonee Valley last start Disco Dan will again prove hard to beat. This is certainly his favourite distance and Jason Maskiell's claim will certainly come in handy. Fomalite, Itimo and Zizz all look to have winning chances, with Mega Excel a must for multiples.

Best Bet
Race 3 No 1 Star Of Jeune

Best Roughie
Race 4 No 5 Emma Princess, Race 5 No 4 Apennine