We’re back to The Valley on Saturday for another quality ten-race metropolitan.
I’ve run the rule over every galloper engaged, and you can find all of my Moonee Valley Tips below.
Summer Membership On Sale Now Handicap (1000m) – 12:15pm AEDT
Gitalong has recorded two wins from as many starts back from a break and looks well placed for the hat-trick at The Valley on Saturday.
The Zoustar gelding hit the line impressive to break his maiden at Hawkesbury first-up, and franked that effort at Warwick Farm most recently.
This is another rise in class, but he’s open to plenty more improvement.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Gitalong
Moonee Ponds 3039 Traders Handicap (1000m) – 12:45pm AEDT
Rhetorical turned in a nice performance on debut in Australia and looks a key winning chance this week.
The Snitzel filly was a strong performer in her native New Zealand during her last preparation and ended her tenure a credible fourth in Listed company.
Given that her first Australian run was here at The Valley, there’s no query over her at the track and trip, and I think she’ll be winning.
Suggested Bet: No. 13 Rhetorical
The Cirka Group Handicap (1600m) – 1:20pm AEDT
Akrotiri returned a winner at Mornington earlier this month and can continue his rise through the grades on Saturday.
The Tarzino gelding made just three appearances at the races during his debut prep, breaking his maiden most notably, but he was very impressive in her resumed performance this time in, which hinted at good improvement.
He strips fitter this week and any rise in trip is going to be beneficial.
Suggested Bet: No. 4 Akrotiri
Boozebud Challenger Handicap (2040m) – 1:55pm AEDT
Staunch has been knocking on the door since resuming and gets a great chance to win at The Valley.
The Flying Artie gelding dusted off the cobwebs at Geelong back in October, and he has since been denied only by one horse in two subsequent starts at BM70 level.
He loves racing here at The Valley and might not get a better opportunity to strike in Saturday metro company.
Suggested Bet: No. 5 Staunch
PJA Accountants & Business Advisors Handicap (1000m) – 2:30pm AEDT
This looks to be one of the more open races on the program and there is a case to be made for a few of them, including Twin Perfection.
Twin Perfection hasn’t shown his best in two starts back from a break, but there’s no doubt that he has improved for both, and he is a horse that tends to improve sharply with a couple under his belt.
He’s a winner at The Valley previously and is drawn ideally this week under Daniel Stackhouse.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Twin Perfection
Complete Opening Systems Pty Ltd Handicap (1200m) – 3:05pm AEDT
Yellow Sam returns from a break at The Valley on Saturday, and I thought that this looked a lovely kick-off point for her.
The Ready For Victory mare didn’t miss placing in four starts last time in, winning at Donald at tis point of her preparation before three strong efforts in town.
She absolutely flies fresh, and this is well within her abilities.
Suggested Bet: No. 8 Yellow Sam
Mittys Handicap (2040m) – 3:40pm AEDT
Whakamana steps out this weekend second up and ready to win.
The Sacred Falls mare returned in some quality performances last time in, placing in black type company and finishing just over two lengths behind the winner in a Group 1 most notably.
Her fresh performance for third at Ballarat on Cup Day was full of merit, and I can’t wait to see her out to the Cox Plate trip at this point of her prep.
Suggested Bet: No. 10 Whakamana
Ladbroke It! Handicap (2500m) – 4:20pm AEDT
Glentaneous returned to winning form over a mile and a half at Sandown last time out and can make it two at The Valley this week.
The Gleneagles gelding has finished worse than second only once in four starts back from a break, and he was rewarded with his dominant victory last time.
He’s hard fit this week and the small rise in trip should only suit further.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Glentaneous
Sharp EIT Solutions Handicap (1600m) – 5pm AEDT
I’m happy to stick with Turbeau second-up in the penultimate at The Valley on Saturday.
The Brazen Beau gelding mixed his form a little last time in, but produced and eye-catching effort to only just be denied by Magnetic Edge at Moirphettville at the beginning of the month.
He boasts a strong second-up record, and we can have an each way play at the price ($8 at publish).
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Turbeau
MSC Signs Handicap (1200m) – 5:40pm AEDT
We were with Sandy Prince when he just missed in the China Bowl at Ararat last time out and I am confident that he can go one better on Sunday.
There was plenty to like about both performances that the Pride Of Dubai gelding has mustered this time, and he has been freshened since his last appearance.
He looks to have many of these gallopers covered for class and gets some relief in the weights under Celine Gaudray.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Sandy Prince
