Moonee Valley Saturday 30/7

Conditions - Soft

Race 1

1- D’AGUILAR (BEST OF DAY)

2- NOT USUAL GLORIOUS

4- PRINCE OF HELENA

D’AGUILAR brings the strongest form lines into this race. He has been going super and rates really high. Think the small field will suit him as he can go forwards or back and take a sit, and in the tight track, should be be hampered. NOT USUAL GLORIOUS has been in super form winning 3 of his last 5 starts (2nd in the other 2 starts). He draws barrier 1 and has good early speed, which profiles really well at Moonee Valley. PRIMCE OF HELENA steps up in grade, but recent form has been really strong, will be on pace which is usually where you want to be.

Race 2

1- ALPHA ONE

7- KEYSBOROUGH

8- PRADO

A 955m scamper here, generally on speed is where you want to be. ALPHA ONE gets that chance to control the race from the front coming out of barrier 4. There looks a lack of speed around him so he should get a soft run and is in good form. Keen to see what KEYSBOROUGH can produce, he has an exceptional pedigree being the grandson of Black Caviar. Draws a good barrier, with early speed he will find a super position. PRADO was given more time to mature after a debut run for a 2nd placing, 2 recent trial wins suggest maybe he has further developed and may return a much more mature type.

Race 3

1- BISTRO

7- WINNERTAKESITALL

11- SHE’S AMORE

BISTRO resumes here today, competed very nicely at the end of her debut prep where she won at listed level Adelaide Cup day. She defeated See You In Heaven who went on to win multiple times. Her career race map puts her in a perfect position for this race. WINNERTAKESALL is still a maiden runner, but she was competing at a good level including a group race in her 1st prep. She has had more time to develop having had a spell. She looks a good type and draws for a favourable run. SHE’S AMORE is a well bred debutant. Has been trialling well and stable has had good recent form with debutant runners. One to watch.

Race 4

4- ROCK UP

11- MATHEW

6- DELICIOUS TYCOON

ROCK UP appeared to have horrible luck last start at Flemington when getting caught wide and struggling for a run. Comes back in trip now to a distance he has had good previous experience running. Big chance to improve here today. Stable mate MATHEW is only lightly raced and stepping up in grade today, but he was super impressive last start winning his maiden. Won by 5L on a heavy track and looks to have good upside. DELICIOUS TYCOON is in form, has placed in her last 5 starts including 2 wins. Stepping up in trip today, but the way she won her last start suggests she will go well at a staying trip.

Race 5

6- MIMI’S AWARD

8- HEREFORAGOODTIME

11- TEOFILO STAR

Big drop in grade for MIMI’S AWARD here today. She is a proven stayer who has chased some handy runners over decent trips this prep. Coming back in distance shouldn’t go against her here today, the wide barrier and race map is a small risk, but she should get a chance to real them in late. HEREFORAGOODTIME is in winning form, having won 2 in a row and now looking for 3. Has been seeing out the 2400m well to win, so suggest the 2500m isn’t going to bother her too much. TEOFILO STAR is one at odds that is worth a EW play. On speed runners can find an advantage her at The Valley. Expecting him to find the lead and if he is given a soft run up front, he will take catching.

Race 6

2- AMERICAIN ANGEL

7- CYCLONE SALLY

3- ZOULAH

AMERICAIN ANGEL is a super consistent type who has only missed the placings 3 times in 15 starts. She has won her only other start over this track/distance which is encouraging p, and draws barrier 2 which could give her a soft run. CYCLONE SALLY should find herself in a good position as she is drawn barrier 4 and has good early speed. She does her best work when the track conditions are wet so if there is rain about, suggest her chances improve here. ZOULAH has been in good form back in South Australia and now comes across to tackle a tougher grade. Gets an apprentice claim, has good early speed and a decent barrier, she can settle in behind leaders and pounce late.

Race 7

10- SET TO PROPHET

3- JIMMY THE BEAR

1- PRIX DE TURN

This looks the most open race of the day in my opinion. Putting SET TO PROPHET on top. He has won 3 of his 4 starts this preps and is again rising in grade on the back of those runs. The last start win at Murray Bridge over the 1600m was done easily and he looks a progressive type. JIMMY THE BEAR has produced some strong runs this prep against quality fields. In good form and should get a chance to push forwards, looks a big danger to continue his good form. PRIX DE TURN won his last start here at the track, which was at Group 2 level. He will be better getting out to a longer trip, but does know how to win at this track which could be an advantage.

Race 8

1- TOO CLOSE THE SUN (EW/VALUE OF DAY)

14- CHIEF ALTONY

12- TAVIDANCE

TOO CLOSE THE SUN was last in his first here in Victoria, but feel that it wasn’t a good representation of what he is capable of. He has contested and run well in Group 1 level races over in WA and this is back at Benchmark level. He has good early speed and is drawn towards the inside which gives him good advantages, looks a very good EW play. CHIEF ALTONY has been in good form this prep and is coming off the back of a placing at listed level at Randwick. He comes in very light at the weights after the apprentice claim, and chances improve if there is rain around and the track is getting heavier. TAVIDANCE has looked at his best when he gets out near 1600m. He will have to go back from the wide barrier, but could bet set up to grab them late if the tempo in the race is hot early.

Race 9

2- WHIPCRACKER WAY

6- INVINCIBLE JET

9- ROLLING MOSS

Tough race to finish off here. WHIPCRACKER WAY is dropping in grade and has been in good recent form without a win. The drop in grade and expected soft track conditions should suit him here. INVINCIBLE JET has good early gate speed and will likely need it to find a good position as he is going to come out of barrier 12. If he can jump clean and find a good position, he should figure in the finish. ROLLING MOSS is on a quick back up here today. He will appreciate soft track conditions and profiles to get a nice run with the inside barrier and good early speed.

Quaddie

2,3,7,11

1,2,3,10

1,12,14

2,6,9