MOIR STAKES 2019 PREVIEW
MOONEE VALLEY RACE 7 – 21:30 AEST
OPEN GROUP 1
1600m
$1,000,000
GOOD 4
Rail TRUE
| # | Form | Horse | Trainer | Jockey (barrier) | Weight (kg) | Current Price |
| 1 | x19x3 | BALL OF MUSCLE | J PRIDE | G SCHOFIELD (3) | 58.5 | $17 |
| 2 | 1131x | TREKKING | JAMES CUMMINGS | K MCEVOY (11) | 58.5 | $6.50 |
| 3 | x110x | THE BOSTONIAN | T PIKE | D LANE (13) | 58.5 | $12 |
| 4 | 320x1 | FAATINAH | D & B HAYES & T DABERNIG | JAMIE KAH (15) | 58.5 | $27 |
| 5 | 014x4 | NATURE STRIP | C WALLER | J B MC DONALD (1) | 58.5 | $2.90 |
| 6 | 4146x | VIRIDINE | JAMES CUMMINGS | B MELHAM (5) | 58.5 | $16 |
| 7 | 2650x | TACTICAL ADVANTAGE | K LEES | B AVDULLA (8) | 58.5 | $23 |
| 8 | 25x22 | BONS AWAY | C MAHER & D EUSTACE | L J MEECH (9) | 58.5 | $20 |
| 9 | 303x3 | EDUARDO | MS S ZSCHOKE | B PARK (2) | 58.5 | $17 |
| 10 | x1121 | ASSERTIVE APPROACH | M HAWKES | D DUNN (14) | 58.5 | $31 |
| 11 | 113x5 | SUNLIGHT | T & C MCEVOY | L CURRIE (10) | 56.5 | $5.50 |
| 12 | 9x0x8 | BOOKER | MATHEW ELLERTON & SIMON ZAHRA | D OLIVER (4) | 56.5 | $17 |
| 13 | 3430x | WINTER BRIDE | A J & T EDMONDS | TOMMY BERRY (12) | 56.5 | $41 |
| 14 | 33x04 | MERYL | L CURTIS | D YENDALL (6) | 56.5 | $71 |
| 15 | 132x7 | MISS LEONIDAS | S DWYER | S BASTER (7) | 56.5 | $41 |
OVERVIEW
The Moir Stakes on Friday night kicks off the first of three Group 1 races over the weekend, with one at each racetrack. The 2019 looks set to be a cracking edition of the race with a number of speedy horses such as last year’s favourite Nature Strip. Viddora stormed to victory last year as Nature Strip went down as a $1.80 favourite.
SPEED MAP
The pace here looks absolutely frantic, with a number of noted frontrunners taking part. Nature Strip may elect to use the inside barrier to advantage; however, any number of runners could take the lead early. This speed battle up front may actually play into the off-pace runners hands despite the notoriously short Moonee Valley straight.
KEY RUNNERS
Jumped a short favourite in this race last year but failed to to finish a disappointing 8th. Has returned to form somewhat since then, scoring two wins since. First up began slightly awkward in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes but finished ok for fourth behind Redzel. His 2nd up record is concerning, however has the talent to win this.
Has returned in top form, finishing second in both of his runs this prep. Last start finished behind Faatinah in the Group 2 McEwen stakes – Faatinah lines up here again is only $7.00. Has run well at this level previously, notably in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate earlier this year when finished fourth.
Super talented mare who is a multiple Group 1 and definitely exudes class in this field. However, the gate looks extremely awkward for Sunlight, with a number of inside runners likely to hold her out and wide, which is less than ideal at The Valley. Interesting runner who can blow this field away on her day.
BLUEY’S PICK
Should be suited by the hectic tempo out in front and can run well at a good price here. Has finished within a neck of the winner both runs this prep and should be ready to go third up here. Talented horse on his day and possesses a strong late burst of speed which looks a key in this race.
