23/09/22 Moonee Valley Tips & Best Bets
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- Author: TheMelbourneMailSep 22, 2022 10:32 AM
- Photo: Getty
Best plays for Moir Stakes night
The Valley plays host to their first night meeting of the season, and what a way to kick it off with the running of the Group 1 1000m Moir Stakes.
The track is currently rated a soft 7 and with some rain predicted on race day, participants will be met with a soft racing surface.
The rail is true the entire circuit and at this set-up, leaders often hold an advantage.
The Valley Race 7 Tip #2 Paulele $4.40
I'm very keen that the Godolphin army can continue their outstanding run here in the feature event, with promising colt Paulele angling for his first Group 1 victory.
He comes into this event first-up and flying, trialling extremely well up in Sydney including a hit-out at Hawkesbury recently where he won with ease.
He has a great motor on him, and that was highlighted in the trial under James McDonald who elects to stick to pilot him here tonight.
He boasts an outstanding first-up record (4:3-0-0), and is one from one at the track and trip off a debut win here back in November of 2020.
There will be no issue regarding the track surface, given he's very versatile and proven to handle all conditions from a Good 3 to a Heavy 10. Simply put, he's a bulletproof horse!
He maps for a very nice sit from barrier 6 midfield with cover, and will suit the expected warp speed in front with plenty of front-runners engaged.
This trainer and jockey combination have a proven record in Group 1 races, and it looks very likely it will continue with Paulele here.
The Valley Race 8 Tip #10 Lady Of Honour $5.50
My best of the night comes up here in the last, the Group 2 Stocks Stakes for the mares over the Moonee Valley mile.
Lady Of Honour is racing very well this prep, including a dominant Caulfield win two starts back, and a last start 2nd in the Group 2 Lets Elope.
She was beaten on the line by Kissonallforcheeks, who she lines up against again here today and I'm confident she can turn the tables.
The major key is the track, with The Valley looking to really suit the front-running style of Lady Of Honour.
It looks a race completely devoid of speed, and from the wide draw I expect this mare to cross them and lead on her own, and dictate the tempo to suit.
If she can get away with cheap sectionals in the lead, she can slip away on the turn and make use of the short straight to hold on at the end.
She handles wet tracks, and even though she steps up to a mile for the first time, I expect it to be slowly run and she should have no issue seeing it out.
I thought she may have been closer in the market to the favourite, and I'm very keen to play at her current price.
