We’re back at Moonee Valley on Saturday for the Italian Chamber of Commerce Raceday. The rail is +5m the entire circuit, and the going looks to be a Soft 5. The Valley is often thought of as a leaders’ track, and the conditions look well suited to those up on the speed.
We’ll kick off our preview with Race 2, Brooks Running Au Plate (1200m) and to us it looks like a two-horse tussle between Daggers and Polyglot. Jumping from barriers 1 and 2 respectively, we’re expecting them to be out the front and leading a small field of eight starters. Both runners are coming off last-start maiden wins, and with limited exposed form it is difficult to split the pair.
We’re going the way of Polyglot by a small margin having a touch more race experience, along with the booking of the in-form Blake Shinn (29% strike rate for the last 30 days). In our view, being one off the fence is also to advantage over the 1200m.
Ben, Will & JD Hayes train our next pick Dom in Race 3, Airitalia Handicap over 1523m. Another runner having just its third career start, he looks like one to watch over the spring as he learns what racing is all about. He looked to want to lug out last start, so we’re hopeful that he can be in clear running and off the fence after jumping from barrier 4. The Waterhouse & Bott-trained Trunk looks the danger.
Moving on to Race 4, and we celebrate the super mare with the inaugural running of the Vale Black Caviar Plate (1200m). For us its hard to go past Manolo Bling here, with the Freedman-trained filly likely to enjoy the tight turns of The Valley. She’s only second up after a debut maiden victory at Caulfield where she raced three wide without cover, but the step up to 1200m and soft track look to suit her well. She’s drawn gate 1 and should have every opportunity to control the race throughout.
Photograph the next best for us, and will look to be hitting the line strongly late.
Happy punting and enjoy the day.