Moonee Valley Race 7 – 21:45 AEST
OPEN Group 1
1000m
$500,000.00
Good 4
Rail true entire circuit
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Weight (kg) | Barrier | Current Price |
| 1. Brave Smash | Darren Weir | Hugh Bowman | 58.5 | 10 | $11.00 |
| 2. Voodoo Lad | Darren Weir | Brad Rawiller | 58.5 | 12 | $12.00 |
| 3. Ball of Muscle | Joseph Pride | Glyn Schofield | 58.5 | 4 | $11.00 |
| 4. Jungle Edge | Mick Bell | Kevin Forrester | 58.5 | 3 | $35.00 |
| 5. Faatinah | D & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Regan Bayliss | 58.5 | 6 | $19.00 |
| 6. Nature Strip | Darren Weir | Damian Lane | 58.5 | 7 | $2.15 |
| 7. Viddora | Lloyd Kennewell | Joe Bowditch | 56.5 | 9 | $10.00 |
| 8. Houtzen | Toby Edmonds | Ryan Maloney | 56.5 | 2 | $6.50 |
| 9. Missrock | Robbie Laing | Ben Thompson | 56.5 | 13 | $20.00 |
| 10. Spright | Garry Frazer | Damien Oliver | 56.5 | 1 | $41.00 |
| 11. Savanna Armour | Chris Meagher | Ben Melham | 56.5 | 5 | $34.00 |
| 12. Snitty Kitty | Henry Dwyer | Mark Zahra | 56.5 | 8 | $12.00 |
| 13. Nieta | John Thompson | Corey Brown | 56.5 | 11 | $61.00 |
Race Overview
This looks to be an interesting race with 13 runners lining up for the Moir Stakes, staged on Friday night at tight Moonee Valley racecourse. Nature Strip looks to continue his four run winning streak before tackling the Everest in two weeks, but there are a few who can dethrone him here.
Race Speed
The AJ Moir Stakes look like it will be a dash this year with many noted frontrunners taking part. Ball of Muscle looks to lead them out from either Jungle Edge or Snitty Kitty. Other noted frontrunners including; Houtzen and Nature Strip could also contend for the lead which will ensure a more than genuine tempo.
Key Runners
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VOODOO LAD ($12.00)
One of the benchmark horses so far this Spring, Voodoo Lad has been terrific in his return. Versatile horse who can either go forward or back, but with the pace on he’s not likely to contend the lead. If they go quickly up front this race could be set up perfectly for him to finish over the top.
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NATURE STRIP ($2.15)
Has won four on the trot and arguably one of Australia’s best sprinters who is likely to contend in a number of Group 1’s this Spring. Last start this course looked to be challenged in a narrow victory, but when the horse has broken the track record it’s hard to say it was a bad run! Should get a good run behind the leaders.
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HOUTZEN ($6.50)
Last start nearly beat Nature Strip in a thrilling race which saw her flash late and just miss. They ran quick time and had Nature Strip not been in the race, Houtzen would now have the track record! Unbeaten 2nd up which should only benefit her chances.
Race Selection
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NATURE STRIP ($2.15)
It’s hard to tip against Nature Strip here after what he has done in his last few starts. Although he looked like getting beat here last time, there was absolutely no knocking the run as they smashed the clock. I think Houtzen is also likely to regress in what looked to be a massive performance spike. Nature Strip will have bigger fish to fry this prep and I think this race will be his for the taking.
Check out our cracking offer available on ALL RACES at Moonee Valley on AJ Moir Stakes night. Log in at www.bluebet.com.au to see details.
