Moonee Valley will host a nine-race program on Saturday with gallopers to be racing on a Soft 6 surface, some who are kicking off their Spring campaigns a fortnight early.
The rail is out five metres for the entire circuit and race one gets underway at 12:55pm.
We welcome Brendan Bunworth to the Before You Bet team as he has analysed the data and picked out four of his best bets for the Moonee Valley program on Saturday.
Moonee Valley Racing Tips: Saturday August 20th
Race 3
(3) Lackeen has a few more miles in his legs than some of these and, with Craig Williams on board, we think he can win again. He won at this track over the mile last start and the drop back to 1500m won’t worry him.
There is more pace in the race this time so he won't get it all his way this time.
(1) Forgot You is probably the best horse in the race but the stable has sights on better races in October. It is first up and may not be as fit as our top selection.
(2) Romancer has raced in some pretty good races over the last 12 months and punters will get juicy odds first up from a spell. A place wage may be an option here.
(3) Lackeen
$3.30 (2 units)
Race 5
(5) Foujita San won easily last start at Ladbrokes Park (Lakeside) and the son of Maurice/Giselle can win again after two recent competitive trials, his latest where he wasn't asked to do too much. He hasn't been on a Soft track in race conditions but has trialed on wettish ground and he didn't appear to have an issue with it. Team Hawkes have decided to stay in Victoria for this campaign after having the option to race in Sydney.
(1) Let’srollthedice carries the top weight of 58.5kg but does have ability. He ran on really well in the Sires Produce Stakes and Damien Lane might get the last crack at them.
(11) Themoonlightgambler handled the Valley well last start when fourth and has a light weight.
(5) Foujita San
$2.70 (4 units)
Race 8
(5) Bella Nipotina is a classy mare and despite being first up, we think she can win after a winning trial recently. She can handle Soft ground having been in the money four of nine and does have the experienced Craig Williams on top. She has been in the top three 17 of 29 and barrier eight should hold no issues for her.
(1) Generation is another who goes well first up and will settle on pace after drawing barrier 13.
(9) Showmanship has had a lot of injury issues but has Damien Oliver on board and if it rains on Friday and Saturday, even better.
(5) Bella Nipotina
$7.50 (1.5 units e/w)
Race 9
(11) Sixbysixtythree is another who has the fitness edge over a few of these with a lot of his competitors being first up from a spell. He was unlucky last start (Soft 6) but in this event we think barrier one will be an advantage. He goes well on Soft tracks having run a first and second from three attempts and with the in-form combination of Patrick Payne and Billy Egan combining again, he is one for the “get out stakes”.
(6) The Garden loves Soft tracks and has a lot of talent, but we think he may be better in a few weeks time but does have potential to pick up a nice race in the Spring.
(1) Exeter is fit after four runs in and he is going better than the form guide reads.
(11) Sixbysixtythree
$5.00 (2 units)
