Horse Racing Tips for the William Reid Stakes 2025

After weeks of Caulfield and Flemington hosting top-tier racing, it's finally Moonee Valley’s turn to take center stage with the Group 1 William Reid Stakes meeting this Saturday.

All eyes will be on the exciting Jimmysstar, who is looking to follow up his stunning maiden Group 1 victory in the Oakleigh Plate with another electrifying display.

With his blistering turn of foot, can he make it back-to-back wins at the elite level, or will another runner step up to spoil the party?

Track Conditions

The Moonee Valley track is currently rated as a Soft 5, and with rain expected on Thursday and Friday, it is likely to stay in the soft range for most of the meeting.

While Saturday’s dry forecast may allow the track to improve to a Good 4 later in the day, soft ground specialists should still hold an edge.

The rail is in the True position, which traditionally favours on-pace runners on the rail.

However, with the wet weather, the track should play more evenly, allowing strong closers a chance if the tempo is genuine.

Moonee Valley Race 9 – Group 1 William Reid Stakes 1200m

The Speed Map

The likely leader in the race is Schwarz (5), who led all the way to win the Group 2 Australia Stakes at this track in January.

Expect Reserve Bank (3) to use the good draw to sit close, with Maharba (1) and Rey Magnerio (4) also prominent.

She’s Bulletproof (8) will likely drift back from the wide draw, while Jimmysstar (2), who prefers to finish strongly, will also be positioned towards the rear and require some luck from his inside gate.

The tempo won’t be breakneck, so backmarkers must get moving early to ensure they aren’t too far off the leaders coming into the straight.

Selections & Analysis

1st – #1 Jimmysstar $3.20

Jimmysstar delivered a huge performance to win the Oakleigh Plate at double-figure odds last start, and while the price is much shorter this time, he is still the one to beat.

He is undefeated second-up, and the step up to 1200m should only help his cause.

There are a few minor queries: he’s tackling Moonee Valley for the first time, he rises significantly in weight to 58.5kg, and he will need luck from barrier 2 in what could be a tricky position back in the field.

However, his electric turn of foot gives him the ability to win from anywhere. This gelding looks Everest-bound later this year, and if he’s the horse we think he is, he wins this.

2nd – #6 Stretan Angel $9.50

It’s staggering how underrated Stretan Angel continues to be in betting markets.

She ran second in the Lightning Stakes behind Skybird and then third in the Newmarket Handicap behind Joliestar, both top-class form references.

She is drawn to settle back and unleash her powerful finish, and if the favorite encounters trouble, she is more than capable of pouncing late.

At the current price, she is a fantastic value play.

3rd – #5 Benedetta $6.00

Benedetta was crying out for clear running in the Newmarket Handicap, but she was stuck behind a wall of runners and never got a proper crack at them.

She was traveling beautifully before being held up, which has led punters to overcorrect, making her a shorter price than Stretan Angel, which is arguably an overreaction.

However, with clear running, she is definitely in the finish.

4th – #7 She’s Bulletproof $5.00

This consistent mare from the Charlotte Littlefield stable has been outstanding this preparation, and she will be in the mix again.

She will need luck from a wide draw, but if Jimmysstar doesn’t get the breaks, she could be right there to capitalise.

At $5, she’s under the odds, but she deserves respect.

Final Verdict

Jimmysstar is the one to beat, but Stretan Angel offers outstanding value and is the main danger. If Benedetta gets clear running, she will be in the mix, and She’s Bulletproof is always competitive.

Top 4 Selections:

1. Jimmysstar ($3.20)
2. Stretan Angel ($9.50) Best Value
3. Benedetta ($6.00)
4. She’s Bulletproof ($5.00)

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