Moonee Valley Preview: 23rd February by Dean McHugh

Race 1: Inglis Premier Sale 3-5 March Handicap (3000m)

The longest race of the day is the Moonee Valley opening race of Friday’s card. Nine horses have been declared, and likely to start as the red hot favourite is Galilaeus. 

A winner of two of his last five starts, he was only just denied last time out in a slightly higher grade. Handed a great draw on the inside; he should be up with the pace throughout and looks to hold every chance.

If looking to take him on, Bon Appetit could be worthy of consideration. Having won two of his three last starts, he was also just denied in his last start and is likely to play a huge part in proceedings.

Race 2: Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Heat 13 (955m)

Seven horses will head down to post for the second contest of the day. In what looks like a competitive contest, Philosopher looks to be the pick of the bunch. Having won three of his last four races, he has been in flying form of late and could have too much class for his rivals.

Foxicon has won four of her last seven starts and has been tried in higher company. Despite running with credit, she has failed to make a dent, and a return to these calmer waters should see her return to a favourable light. 

Race 3: The Quest Moonee Valley Summer Middle Distance Series Heat 4 (1600m)

Despite nine horses having been declared for the third race of the day, the betting looks set to focus heavily on Fire Of Etna. Having made just six career starts, she is one of the least exposed horses in the lineup and has notched two victories. Looking like a horse with real potential, she looks to be the undoubted class angle of the race.

While Fire Of Etna may be hard to beat, at a price, it could be worth siding with Nursery Chime. A winner of two of her last four starts, she has finished second in both of her last two starts. As consistent as they come at this level, she looks capable of a big run at a decent price.

Race 4: The Marsh Victorian Racing Industry Associations Middle Distance Series Heat 3 (1600m)

The fourth race of the day looks fiercely competitive, and there are several horses in with a real chance of victory. 

Rise At Dawn looks to be one of the most exciting horses on the entire card. A winner of two of his first three career starts, he was dominant last time out and will look to take the step up in class in his stride. 

In comparison to Rise At Dawn, Zamborghini is vastly experienced. A winner of four of his eleven starts, he has finished third in both of his last two efforts at this level and should give his running once more. 

If looking to back a horse at a price then Warlords could be worth consideration.

Race 5: The Edsa Group Valley Summer Middle Distance Series (2040m)

The fifth race on Friday’s card presents lots of potential value. Set to start as the favourite id Lauding. A consistent type, he has finished twice in his last two races but isn’t the most prolific, with just one race win and has plenty to prove.

Moveforlex had a great start to his career, winning both of his first two starts but since then has struggled with just one win in his next six starts. Looking to get his career back on track, he looks well placed to get back into the winner’s circle.

A chance could be taken on Musgrave, who heads into the race following a gritty win on his last visit to the track.

Race 6: The Orbit Logistics Valley Summer Sprint Series Heat 5 (1200m)

Twelve horses will head down to post for the sixth race on the card, and it’s another tough race to predict. 

Set to start as the favourite is Miss Take, who has won three of her six career starts, including last time out at this track. Clearly finding Moonee Valley to her liking, she looks set to play a huge part in the race.

Ideally drawn is Kentucky Casanova. A five-time winner, he hasn’t been able to get his head in front in his last three starts and will hope to put the record right here.

Show Some Decorum is vastly experienced and could be worth siding with following a good win last time out.

Race 7: PKF Torney Night Cup (2500m)

The biggest race of the day comes in the penultimate contest, where fifteen horses will head down to post. 

Amade, Mankayan, Monbaher, Alakahan, and Kirkeby should all play major roles in the betting, but the one potentially to be on is Herman Hesse.

Boasting a career strike rate of 20%, he was a good winner at Caulfield just a few weeks ago and finished ahead of the reopposing Monbaher and Alakahan. Sired by Frankel – he loves dry conditions, and everything could be perfectly set up for him.

Race 8: The Orbit Logistics Valley Summer Sprint Series Heat 4 (1200m)

The final race of the day is another tough race to call. With twelve horses set to head down to post, most of the pre-race betting may revolve around Niance. 

Vastly unexposed to most in the field, she was a winner on debut but has failed to follow up since. Potentially classy, she has the widest of draws to overcome but should give her running. 

If the wide draw for Niance is off putting, then I Am Caviar could be a viable alternative. A son of Black Caviar, he has two wins from his nine starts and finished second in both of his last two races. He could be one to watch with interest.

If looking to cap off the day with a big-priced winner, Aminatu will be looking to post another win following a good victory last time out.