The Group 3 Typhoon Tracy Stakes (1200m) headlines Friday’s eight-race card at The Valley, and there is no shortage of value to be found.
We’ve run the rule over the lot and offer our best bets below.
Preview brought to you by Ladbrokes. Learn more about Ladbrokes HERE.
Race 1 – 6:15pm – Ladbroke It! Handicap (3000m)
Tricky staying race to begin the program with an argument to be made for a few.
Atonement has made the journey down from Sydney and has been racing well enough in her last few starts to suggest she can get the job done on debut.
The Dundeel mare was a clear winner two back at Gosford over shorter and held her ground at Randwick last time out on soft going. She should appreciate getting back on a firmer track here, and from barrier 5, I think she can push forward and give the others something to chase.
Race 2 – 6:45pm – Long Fine Hospitality Supplies Plate (955m)
Three facing the starter for just the second time, and two on debut.
Not a race I’m overly keen to dive into.
Race 3 – 7:15pm – Buy Better at Inglis Premier Handicap (955m)
Titans is a progressive type out of the Freedman camp that got the job done over the track and distance late last year.
He went on to find the winner’s circle in his latest start at Moe last month, and the form out of that reads well with second place getter Magnum Bullet going on to win at Kilmore a couple of weeks ago.
Damien Thornton sticks, and he’s drawn to get the gun run along the rails coming off a freshen-up.
Race 4 – 7:45pm – Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Heat 14 (955m)
Midwest is airborne right now and I can’t find any reason why he won’t be winning again.
The son of Zoustar is a perfect four-from-four this preparation, with his latest win coming here at The Valley by 1.75L over Lunar Hero.
He’s three weeks between runs now, and although he’s drawn wide with some extra weight, he should be going close given how well his fresh form reads.
Race 5 – 8:15pm – The Drain Man Handicap (2040m)
Agnelli has the runs on the board now at this venue and is well-deserving of his status as favourite.
The son of Written Tycoon ran a clear second to Gentleman Roy two back on a rain-affected track, and that form does read well with the aforementioned horse going on to win again.
His latest win over the track and distance a couple of weeks ago was full of merit considering he overcame an awkward start and a late challenge from Laundy to win right on the line.
He strips fitter now for four runs back, and there appears to be some improvement still to come.
Race 6 – 8:45pm – Midway Concrete Handicap (2040m)
My Delight has been up for a while, but she has held her form nicely to return a win and two placings from her last four starts.
She sticks to the same track and trip that she ran third over to start the month in what was a strong effort behind two good types in Sacred Lass and Shezadandi.
Her win the start prior at Caulfield was impressive, and if Craig Williams can save her best for late here, she should be right in the finish.
Race 7 – 9:15pm – Group 3 Typhoon Tracy Stakes (1200m)
So long as the rain stays away, Scorched Earth looks the one to beat in the feature.
The daughter of Nicconi looked home and hosed in search of her hat-trick two weeks ago at Caulfield, right before Argentia spoiled the party with a lunging effort before the line.
Her win over Yulong Command first-up reads well with that horse going on to win back-to-back starts at The Valley over the last month, and she only needs to hold her form to be finishing over the top of most of these.
Race 8 – 9:45pm – RULE Prostate Cancer Handicap (1200m)
Happy to have something on Sacred Palace in the last.
The Lindsey Smith-trained four-year-old has looked good in two starts off a long break, running second at Terang first-up and third to In The Boat over the same trip here at The Valley.
He’s three weeks in between runs and this does look to be an easier race for him dropping back in class. Wet track form also gets a big tick if there is rain about.
