The Valley will be rocking on Saturday with the running of the 2025 Cox Plate over 2040m. The Group 1 will be showcased at race nine on the program with the first of the day starting at 12:10pm (AEDT). The track is currently rated a Soft5 at the time of typing but a Good is likely with no rain around in the next 36 hours leading up to the card.
The Cox Plate has been fully previewed here, and the nine races that accompany it have been previewed below!
Moonee Valley Racing Tips: Saturday, October 26th
Race 1: Strathmore Community Bank Handicap – 12:10pm (AEDT)
(9) Frilled hasn’t won in a year but her 4th at this track last start was quite good after running on well from the second half of the field. She is second up here and she does have a good second up record and track conditions should suit.
(7) Red Hot Nicc also likes these track conditions and has placed in 60 percent of his career starts so he is quite honest really and the each-way odds seem ok. Likes The Valley.
(2) Katsu has drawn inside and should position up nicely in the run. He is resuming and the Begg stable are in form.
(9) Frilled WIN
$4.20 (2 Units)
Race 2: Sharp EIT Solutions Red Anchor Stakes – 12:45pm (AEDT)
(5) Ikasara has drawn well in 2 and being a leader should be able to head straight to the rails here and try and control the race. Its his second try at 1200m and he would have improved from his first effort of 4th (tired late).
Before that he led and placed in the Listed Heritage Stakes at Rosehill. Waterhouse & Bott put the polish on.
(3) Bosustow has run a couple of good races on rain-affected ground. He might not get that here but he has placed at The Valley over the 1200m before.
(1) Bittercreek has placed in all starts on a Good track. He is second up here and this race is easier than last time. Is strong late.
(5) Ikasara WIN
$3.40 (2 Units)
Race 3: Symal Crockett Stakes – 1:20pm (AEDT)
(7) Certain Rise was a 4L winner at Mornington last start and comes into this race with confidence. She led on that occasion and might try and lead again from out in 9. She has already won over the 1200m and the Moroney & Thompson Team do normally pick up a race over the carnival. Blake Shinn continues to ride.
(2) Seascape almost got there at Kensington last start after being handy and will be on speed again from barrier 4. Before that she almost led all of the way at Canterbury.
(8) Savagery Vibe won at Bendigo on debut and then was a little disappointing last start when she went from 3rd to 8th in the last 100m. May improve.
(7) Certain Rise WIN
$4.00 (1 Unit)
Race 4: 3 Point Motors Fillies Classic - 1:55pm (AEDT)
(7) Polymnia has drawn the inside in what is a tricky affair and will get back in the run which is something punters need to be wary of. JMac is on which is a plus and he did hit the line strongly at Kensington last start to run 2nd. The Valley has a small straight so JMac will need a peach of a ride from the back to score but the horse does seem to be ready to win. First try at the mile at the distance looks suitable.
(5)Brulante has Damien Lane on which is a plus and he will likely go forward from barrier 8. When odds on last time at Wangaratta she won well but this is obviously harder.
(2) In Her Eyes will also get back and likely make her run with Polymnia. A Good track is needed.
TIP: No Bet
Race 5: Schweppes JRA Cup - 2:30pm (AEDT)
(5) Second To Nun has won 9 from 29 and all of those have been on either a Good or Soft track so conditions really do suit here. Went back last start at Seymour and ran on well for 4th and before that she was 5th at this track in the Stock Stakes. Fitter for those runs and is ready for another crack at the 2000m.
(4) Kingswood has won two in a row including a last start victory over this distance and will start fav in this. From barrier 1 he will settle around 3rd on the inside but the worry I have is if he gets caught on the inside and can’t get a run at them down the short straight.
(8) Kettle Hill will want a Good track and is then a Place bet at odds. Has won at The Valley before.
(5) Second To Nun Each-Way
$5.00/$1.55 (1U/2U)
Race 6: Drummond Golf Vase - 3:05pm (AEDT)
(2) Red Aces was midfield on October 5 when runner-up over 1800m and the extra 200m looks ideal here. Jamie Mott stays on and I reckon he settles a little closer here from barrier 5. Scratched in the barriers last week after playing up.
(3) Firm Agreement will be back at the 400m and will try and swoop late like he did at Newcastle on October 1. Sat midfield in the Gloaming last start (3rd) but that race was harder.
(4) Politely Dun jumps from a wide barrier in 9 but he won from a similar barrier (7) last time. He was at midfield on that occasion but there is still a risk he gets caught deep for a little bit.
(2) Red Aces Each-Way
$3.70/$1.50 (1U/2U)
Race 7: Mittys McKewen Stakes Group 2 - 3:40pm (AEDT)
(2) Oscar’s Fortune likes it Dry and he did run very well in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes on October 12 when 2nd. He had the gun run on that occasion and he is second up here and he is 2 from 2 when in that position. He has placed on three occasions over this distance and this race should see him go close to winning for the first time over the 1200m.
(1) The Inferno also gets a preferred track at this stage and his 1200m form is very solid having won on six occasions. He hasn’t won in years but he is nice Place odds in this race.
(3) Mornington Glory has a poor record over the distance but he loves The Valley. Since winning his Group 1 his form has been solid. He is only $400 off ticking over the $1million mark and he should run top 4 in this with Ethan Brown on again.
(2) Oscar’s Fortune WIN
$3.20 (2 Units)
Race 8: Alinta Energy Crystal Mile Group 2 - 4:20pm (AEDT)
(11) Plenty Of Ammo comes over from Warrnambool for the Wilde Team after being scratched last start in reference for this. On resumption he was double figure odds and Placed well behind Uncle Bryn and Jordan Childs hops back on and he is 3 from 3 on top. From barrier 4 he should settle around 4th in the run which is ideal and his numerous trials should see him be strong to the line and be right there in the finish.
(7) Royal Champion will want a Good track for Mark Zahra who is on top for the second time. He was wide last time and has dropped 4kgs for this.
(3) Laws of Indices doesn’t win out of turn and needs a Soft track. He has the talent and he was only beaten 3L in the Gilgai last start at 100-1. Roughie.
(11) Plenty Of Ammo Each-Way
$4.80/$1.80 (1U/2U)
Race 9: Cox Plate – 5:10pm (AEDT)
Race 10: Powerflo Solutions Tesio STakes - 5:50pm (AEDT)
(8) Private Legacy has Willow on who knows him pretty well after three steers on top and the in-form jock has decided to stick with him. Track bias was against him two starts back when the leader kicked and won and then last start at Caulfield he stormed home to just miss. He will need the track to stay Good and if it does, he is a key winning hope.
(7) Lady Jones has been getting back and running on nicely and she has first and a second to her name at this track.
(2) Wishlor Lass has drawn well in 2 and is a Moonee Valley winner previously. Likes a Dry track and with the right run can win at double figure odds.
(8) Private Legacy Each-Way
$6.00/$2.05 (1U/2U)
Quaddie Tips
Leg one: 1, 2, 3, 5
Leg two: 3, 4, 5, 7, 11
Leg three: 2, 6, 7
Leg four: 2, 5, 7, 8
