A beautiful balmy evening in Melbourne will ensure a big crowd on course for an eight-race card at Moonee Valley on Friday night. The rail is out four metres and always it will likely provide an advantage to those on speed entering the short Moonee Valley straight.
Here’s our preview and tips for Moonee Valley this Friday night.
Moonee Valley Racing Tips – February 3rd 2017
Race 1
Wide open race to kick off the evening with several first-starters and not a lot of information to go on. In these sorts of races, it’s often a good idea to look to where the money is going. That leads us to PREPARE TO WIN as the top pick from the Hayes yard.
TIP: Prepare To Win
Race 2
Have this one down to two – the miss and the missus. Mrs Gardenia has been well-supported but does map to be wide which means we’re going to take the better price of MISS COUNTERFEIT. Has been consistent this preparation with two place finishes leading into this, maps well from barrier 3, has a 3kg claim and an attractive price of $5.50.
TIP: Miss Counterfeit
Race 3
Kiss Me Ketut will get out in front and try to run them into the ground again, and will be tough to run down, but this appears to be a race between the top two. Hard Call is back in class here and should get a nice spot in the run on speed, but going with KING’S COMMAND as our top pick. Should also have a nice sit in the run and with strong recent form lines, he should be right in the finish here.
TIP: King’s Command
Race 4
An average 1200m race here with some inconsistent types. Mossbeat looks a chance in this grade while Shades of Bella has been too far back in recent runs, and with a forward ride, could be in contention. But the horse to beat here is PRINCESS ARROW. Won three on the trot this preparation followed by a strong third last start at Flemington. Will be ok speed and looks the goods against this lot.
TIP: Princess Arrow (BEST BET)
Race 5
The 55 Second Challenge here has brought an interesting field. With Angry Gee scratched, the race has opened up for my two top picks. PUNT CLUB was very close to winning the chocolates for us last week at big odds, leading the whole way before getting claimed late in the run by a smart type. May not get it as easy out front this time, but still the one to catch. The one who may just get over the top is DANCE WITH FONTEIN. Was one of our picks last week before being scratched, she has a good barrier and a 2kg claim. Expect her to sit behind the speed and come on strong late. With the prices, we can back both for a profitable play.
TIP: Punt Club / Dance With Fontein
Race 6
Little Indian was so impressive three starts back at Flemington but hasn’t come on in recent runs in tougher opposition. A positive ride will be pretty important as I don’t think she can come all the way from the back and win. In contrast, the undefeated MAGNATTI will get the run on speed and will be the one to beat. Has drawn wide is the only concern but if can get over an find a spot in the run, that’s where I want my money.
TIP: Magnatti
Race 7
Tough staying race here with Hale Soriano the favourite but looks unders at the price. SOVIET COURAGE is a former winner over the 2400m and has to be a chance here, while CHOUX DIVA finished sixth behind a couple of handy types in Crocodile Rock and Sweet Melody last start. A wide open race so won’t be going hard here, but happy to back both for a result.
TIP: Soviet Courage / Choux Diva
Race 8
Scratchings have put a dent in numbers for this race, and it’s hard to believe, but going with perennial bridesmaid TIGIDIG TIGIDIG here. Broke through for a win at Kilmore and was most impressive in doing so. Should map very well and with the claim, will be right in the finish. Exclusive Heights and Rock ‘n’ rollrock look the main threats.
TIP: Tigidig Tigidig
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!