2020 Moir Stakes Preview, Odds, & Tips

It’s a wide-open edition of the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) to be held on Friday night at The Valley, with all eyes on the weather.

The track is currently rated a Good 3, but we could very well be dealing with a Soft 7 or worse if the rain really comes.

The rail is in the true, but if it’s wet, you can expect them to get off the rail which may bring some swoopers into play.

1 – Trekking – $9

Very classy horse, placing in The Everest and winning a Goodwood. This looks a tough ask first up, over an unsuitable 1000m and drawing inside which means he’ll probably be well back trapped on the rail looking at lots of horse flesh. Not here with this setup.

2 – Hey Doc – $15 ??

This old campaigner has been training the house down from all reports and maps reasonably well to get a sit in behind the hot pace. Loves The Valley and I’d be all over him if this was 1200m like the setup for his Manikato Stakes success in 2017, but nonetheless I think he’ll be in this a long way and will go in exotics.

3 – Jungle Edge – $13 ??

Needless to say this old boy will come right into play if the rain really comes. He’s got good form at the 1000m and isn’t as talented as some of them in this field, but may not need to be if the heavens open. Include in exotics if it’s wet.

4 – Ashlor – $41 ??

I’m a big fan of this galloper, who loves The Valley and goes well at the distance. Was beaten by a small margin by Bella Vella last start and can kick up from Barrier 4 and get a suck run behind the leaders. Can handle the wet deck and is a knockout chance.

5 – Bold Star – $26

Another 1000m specialist, who seems to handle the cut in the ground as well. Was enormous first up at Caulfield and hit a flat spot last start at Flemington but still came home well. Will need all the breaks coming from the back of the field but does have Willo onboard.

6 – Bella Vella – $6.50

In outstanding form winning here last start but this could be a tough setup, drawing the inside gate with lots of speed around it. Could be buried on the rail, which may be the worst spot to be by the time this race rolls around on a wet deck. Tough to get enthused at the price.

Third stakes win for Commands mare BELLA VELLA in the Gr2 McEwen Stakes at Moonee Valley. @Clarken_Racing @jamieleekah07 @RushtonPark @InglisDigital @mmsnippets @PMBRacing @WillowParkStud @TheValley @DarleyAus pic.twitter.com/OEniwa6Ems

— Pedigree Update (@pedigreeupdate) September 5, 2020

7 – Pippie – $9 ???

Has speed to burn and looks to get the run of the race from Barrier 5 where she should be able to cross and lead. Outstanding first up and is comfortable on a soft surface, and will be in this for a long way.

8 – Diamond Effort – $10 ????

In outstanding form having returned to the winners stall in its last five races, but this is obviously a much bigger task. Is another that will relish the rain if it comes, and is certainly in this if so. Maps well to get a sit just in behind the pace, and looks a real chance.

9 – Fabergino – $4.20 ??

I’ve got a lot of respect for this horse but I’m willing to take it on at the price if it’s pouring down. Only one run on a soft deck and it’s a big unknown as to how it’ll handle the surface, especially in a pressure cooker Group 1. Really rate this galloper but if its wet, I’m happy to bet around it.

10 – Brooklyn Hustle – $16

Returned with an outstanding win first up before a slightly disappointing place last start, looming to win but wobbling around the corner and not displaying its booming turn of foot. Very talented but will need everything to go right from the back of the field.

11 – Hanseatic – $9.50 ?

Was never in it first up getting too far out of the race, but charged home well. Is down in the weights and could sneak a place if he sits a little closer in the run.

12 – Away Game

Scratched.

13 – Bella Nipotina – $26

Rock bottom in the weights and in good form, but will need to lift several levels to mix it with a field of this quality.

Tip: 8-7-2-4 – without a great deal of confidence.

? = Must Watch
? = Big Winning Chance
?= Worth Including in Exotics
?= Will Love The Rain!

2020 Moir Stakes Odds

*Odds correct at time of posting article.