Tips Category: William Reid Stakes

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2023 William Reid Stakes Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

The William Reid Stakes is a Group 1 race held at the Moonee Valley Racecourse over 1200m. It is run under standard weight-for-age conditions and has a total prize money purse of $1m. There are a total of 14 high-quality sprinters accepted for this year’s sprint feature and will go head-to-head under the bright Valley lights, with the exception of Paulele who has already been withdrawn.

Looking at the market, Dabble has star Kiwi mare, Imperatriz, favourite at $3.50 off the back of her last start Canterbury Stakes effort. Jigsaw, who is looking for five wins in a row, is next best at $6.50 ahead of In The Congo and three-year-old, Benedetta, who are $7.00 and $8.00, respectively, and Bella Nipotina rounds out the runners in single digits, at $9.00.

However, we know with horse racing that anything can happen and The Valley can be a testing track for many. So, we have dissected each of the horses’ chances for you and provided our horse racing tips! Read on below to find our runner by runner preview of the 2023 William Reid Stakes along with The Shark’s best tips. 

1. Masked Crusader (4) – $31
Jockey – Jye McNeil 58.5kg
Trainer – Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes

Got a mile back first up in the Oakleigh Plate and was never sighted. Drawn to land a bit closer here second up and is a Group 1 winner, in this race back in 2021, at his only go around The Valley. Can improve at odds but hasn’t donned the winners sash for some time now. Take on trust.

2. Paulele (14) – SCRATCHED
Jockey – Damien Oliverl 58.5kg
Trainer – James Cummings

N/A.

3. King Of Sparta (12) – $14
Jockey – John Allen 58.5kg
Trainer – Peter & Paul Snowden


Recorded race-fastest late sectionals in the Oakleigh Plate last start when flashing home along the inside into fourth placing. Wins in Queensland prior were excellent. Another who will need luck from the gate but is a definite winning chance if things fall into place.

4. A Case Of You (10) – $17
Jockey – Mark Zahra 58.5kg
Trainer – Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr

Former Irish sprinter who resumes here for the new yard. His latest win came this time last year in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan. Recent jump outs have been solid and he gets blinkers and a tongue tie on for the first time. Has the ability to measure up and a market watch is advised.

5. In The Congo (1) – $7.00
Jockey – Tim Clark 58.5kg
Trainer – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott

Talented entire who resumes here off the back of some strong trial form. Unplaced at his only go here at The Valley but has form around some of the country’s best and should be ready to fire off the back of three trials. Will most likely be stamped urgent from the inside gate and will be a tough nut to crack.

6.Front Page (8) – $21
Jockey – Patrick Moloney 58.5kg
Trainer – Geoff Duryea 

Rode the speed first up in the Newmarket and wasn’t disgraced, finishing under three lengths from the winner, In Secret. Historically not as lethal second up but will be sent forward from the barriers and can give plenty of cheek in this field. Not the worst.

7. Jigsaw (5) – $6.50
Jockey – Daniel Moor 58.5kg
Trainer – Cindy Alderson

Speedy gelding who is looking for his fifth win in a row after bolting in at Group 2 level, here at this track/ distance, at his latest outing. Will land straight on the bunny again from the good draw and deserves a crack at Group 1 WFA now. This is by far his biggest test to date, but winning form is good form, and he should give backers a bold sight on speed.


8. Bella Nipotina (13) – $9.00
Jockey – Ben Melham 56.5kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Ran super first up in the Lightning before a below par effort in the Newmarket last time out. Returns to The Valley now, where she’s a Group 1 winner, and I’ve been around long enough to know you should always forgive a good horse for one bad run. Worth another chance despite the tricky draw.

9. Roch ‘N’ Horse (9) – $41
Jockey – Jamie Mott 56.5kg
Trainer – Michael Moroney

Got to the line ok first up in the Oakleigh Plate before failing to let down last start in the Newmarket. Not racing as well as she was last prep but should get things run to suit here and is capable of improving third up at big odds.

10. September Run (6) – $23
Jockey – Nash Rawiller 56.5kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Winner of this race last year who was just fair last start in the Newmarket Handicap. Run prior in the Lightning was good. She’s drawn to get a soft run behind the speed here and gets the services of Nash Rawiller which is a tick. Hard to have any confidence after the latest effort but could bob up at odds in this.

11. Imperatriz (7) – $3.50F
Jockey – Opie Bosson 56.5kg
Trainer – Mark Walker


Star Kiwi mare who shot away last start at Randwick, only to be run down in the shadows of the post by Artorius. Form prior across the ditch was outstanding. Another who is drawn to get a nice run in transit and Opie Bosson crosses the Tasman for the ride. Looks very hard to beat.

12. Chain Of Lightning (3) – $34
Jockey – Luke Nolen 56.5kg
Trainer – Peter G Moody

Unlucky not to win the Rubiton first up at Sandown before a close up eighth in the Oakleigh Plate. Not totally disgraced last start in the Newmarket and is drawn well here. Will find this a tough assignment once again but her form is better than the price suggests.

13. Babylon Berlin (2) – $13
Jockey – Blake Shinn 56.5kg
Trainer – Ben Foote

Second of the Kiwi mares who was sent around Winx-odds last start and won accordingly at Te Rapa. She was no match for Imperatriz prior to that, but did run her to a neck on New Year’s Day. Will land a good spot from the low draw and can figure in the finish if the breaks go her way.

14. Benedetta (11) – $8.00
Jockey – Daniel Stackhouse 54kg
Trainer – Jason Warren

Lone three year old of the field who was outstanding when winning at Flemington last start. Thrown in the deep end here at just start number six, but is a deserved starter and looks a live winning hope off the back of her most recent effort.

Final Word

A cracking line-up of sprinters will greet the starter here in what looks a very competitive race. As expected in a six furlong Group 1, the early speed looks strong and all runners should get their chance, providing there is no distinct track bias. Last year’s winner, September Run, lines up to defend her title and the Kiwis have what looks to be a strong hand in the race.

Top Tip: 11. Imperatriz – looked home last start in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes only to be run down by Artorius late, who has since finished close up behind the champ, Anamoe. Her form prior in New Zealand was faultless and she should enjoy a gun run from the middle gate here.

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11. Imperatriz

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Biggest Danger: 7. Jigsaw – is looking for five wins on the trot here, after destroying his rivals in the Australia Stakes last start at this track/ distance. He’ll put himself on the speed and be hard to run down.

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7. Jigsaw

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Best Value/ Roughie: 3. King Of Sparta & 9. Roch ‘N’ Horse – King of Sparta ran the best closing splits in the Oakleigh Plate last start, off the back of two excellent wins in the sunshine state. Will appreciate a solid tempo and should be rattling home late, whilst Roch ‘N’ Horse should be ready to fire third up and maps well with plenty of speed up front.

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3. King Of Sparta & 9. Roch ‘N’ Horse

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If you need more news, information and tips, head over to our William Reid Stakes page for all your punting needs!

*Odds correct at time of writing, courtesy of Dabble.

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2022 William Reid Stakes Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

Held under lights at Moonee Valley, the William Reid Stakes is a 1200m Group 1, run under WFA conditions. The $1m feature is the last G1 race held on the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival calendar.

First run in 1925, the race has a long and star studded honour roll. One horse in particular stands out, and that’s Manikato. He won this race five years on the trot, from 1979-1983, and now has a G1 race at the Valley named in his honour (Manikato Stakes). 

Looking at this year’s race, we see unbeaten, last start Oakleigh Plate winning mare Marabi amongst acceptances. Dabble has her very short in the market, and understandably so, at $1.65. It’s double figures the rest of the field, headed by The Inferno and The Astrologist, both at $13.

However, we know with horse racing that anything can happen and taking $1.65 about Marabi won’t get you too far. So, we have dissected each of the horses’ chances for you! Read on below to find our runner by runner preview of the 2022 William Reid Stakes along with The Shark’s best tips. 

1. Trekking (4) – $26
Jockey – Damien Oliver 58.5kg
Trainer – James Cummings

Grand old galloper who resumed in the Listed Bob Hoysted HCP under 63kg. His run was only fair on the occasion, but should be improved by the run and better suited up to 1200m at WFA. Although he hasn’t won at The Valley, his form here is good, and from the nice gate should get a good cart into the race. Needs to find some of his old form, which would see him going close in this.

2. Jonker (14) – $19
Jockey – Craig Newitt 58.5kg
Trainer – Tony Gollan


Had excuses first up in the G1 Oakleigh Plate, where he finished last. Has since jumped out well, and will be looking to improve on a track where he is a G1 winner. Drawn an outside gate, which may force Newitt to try and cross them early. The first furlong will be key as to how he finishes off his last one.

3. The Inferno (7) – $13 – Scratched 
Jockey – Mark Zahra 58.5kg
Trainer – Cliff Brown

Resumed in the G1 Lightning Stakes behind Home Affairs, where he copped some bad interference and nearly fell. His second up record reads 4:4-0-0 and he is a G2 winner here at The Valley. His only other run here resulted in a close 2nd in the G1 Moir Stakes. Drawn nicely and looks a big danger to the favourite at good odds.

4. Kemalpasa (12) – $15
Jockey – Jake Toeroek 58.5kg
Trainer – Richard & Chantelle Jolly

Resumed in fine style at Morphettville defeating Behemoth in good time. He then had a minor hiccup which forced him out of the G1 Newmarket. Had a trial last week and had a good hitout to prepare him for this. Draw makes things tricky, but he’s honest as the day is long, and will no doubt be in the finish. 

5. The Astrologist (1) – $13
Jockey – Fred Kersley 58.5kg
Trainer – Leon & Troy Corstens

Ran a big race last start in the G1 Newmarket behind Roch ‘N’ Horse at huge odds. Not sure the form out of that race will stand up, after the tactics employed by the jockeys saw the inside lanes dominate the race. Nonetheless his run was good, and from the inside gate can figure in the finish again. 

6. Halvorsen (15) – $81
Jockey – Andrew Mallyon 58.5kg
Trainer – Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock

In form gelding who was good against the bias last start in the G1 Newmarket. Although known as a Flemington straight track specialist, he’s had one go here at The Valley and graced the winners stall. Does have to deal with the outside gate, but will be ridden cold and saved for one crack at them late. Not the worst.

7. Standout (3) – $26
Jockey – Brenton Avdulla 58.5kg
Trainer – Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou

Improved run last start with the blinkers on, when he finished 3rd to Lost and Running in G3 company. Drawn well here and will get a dry track which he excels on. Capable of winning a race like this, but hasn’t been seen in the winners stall for over two years now.

8. September Run (11) – $17
Jockey – Craig Williams 56.5kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Solid effort last start when finishing 3rd in a controversial G1 Newmarket. As mentioned above, not sure the form out of that race will stand up and be consistent, but her run showed glimpses of old. Finished 4th in this race last year, and with a solid tempo up front, will be looking for a similar result again this year.

9. Marabi (8) – $1.65F
Jockey – Ben Allen 56.5kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace


Unbeaten mare who was simply too fast for her rivals last start in the G1 Oakleigh Plate. Prior to that won with a leg in the air, in the G2 Australia Stakes, here at The Valley. Hard to knock her on what she’s done, and looks very hard to beat again here.

10. Electric Girl (10) – $101
Jockey – Jye McNeil 56.5kg
Trainer – Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes

Has resumed this prep with a couple of nice runs at G3 level. Comes back from 1400m to 1200m here, and steps up to G1 WFA. May find a few of these a bit nippy.

11. General Beau (6) – $26
Jockey – Damien Thornton 56kg
Trainer – Matthew Ellerton

Got to the line nicely last start in the Listed Moomba Stakes, carrying the grandstand. Prior to that he ran well in the G1 Oakleigh Plate. Untried around The Valley, but draws well and gets 5kg off his back here. Each way hope at good odds.

12. Generation (2) – $16
Jockey – Jamie Kah 56kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Consistent colt who was good first up winning the G3 Manfred Stakes. Let the leader get away last start in the G3 Zeditave Stakes, but he was strong to the line. Steps up to G1 WFA now, which is his biggest test to date, but hasn’t put a foot wrong in his own age group. Respect.

13. Marine One (13) – $26 – Scratched
Jockey – John Allen 56kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Improving colt who was far too good last start in the G2 Rubiton Stakes. Prior to that he ran into a smart one. Is one for one around The Valley, but the barrier makes things hard and is yet to win past 1100m. Like his stablemate Generation, this will be his biggest test to date, but is capable of running a bold race.

14. Zouzarella (9) – $61
Jockey – Brett Prebble 54kg
Trainer – Anthony & Sam Freedman

Returns to Melbourne, after a couple of runs in 3YO fillies races in Sydney. Was good first up in the G2 Surround Stakes, before being bogged down on a very heavy track last start. Is unbeaten around The Valley, and gets back on a dry deck here. Will need to find a bit on her runs this prep, but is capable of running well.


15e. Snapper (5) – $41
Jockey – Jordan Childs 58.5kg
Trainer – Michael Moroney

Brained them last start in a BM70 this track/distance in good time. Big step up to G1 WFA here, but grows a leg around The Valley. Stable flying.

Final Word

This year’s William Reid Stakes looks a race dominated by unbeaten mare Marabi. She’s shooting for 8 wins in a row here, and looking at the form, it looks well within her reach. 

In saying that, the race looks as though it’ll be run at a solid tempo, which may suit some of the back markers and expose some value in the market.

Ex-Singapore galloper The Inferno was luckless first up in the G1 Lightning Stakes, and has a brilliant second up record. His form around The Valley is good, and he looks overs here. 

Another one at big odds is 3YO colt General Beau. He was good last start under the big weight, and draws to get a nice run in this. On his best form, he’s more than capable in a race like this.

With Marabi at such a short quote, these two gallopers look good value, and can easily finish in the money. I’d suggest a place bet on both, and maybe play the multiples with the favourite.

Best William Reid Stakes Tip: 3. The Inferno – Place ($3.40) & 11. General Beau – Place ($5.00) *The Inferno has since been scratched.*
Next Best: Boxed Quinella – 3, 9, 11
William Reid Stakes numbers: 9-11-3-7

If you need more news, information and tips, head over to our William Reid Stakes page for all your punting needs!

*Odds correct at time of writing, courtesy of Dabble.

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2021 William Reid Stakes Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

While there’s all sorts of uncertainty about the weather in Sydney, we’ve got a mouth watering Group 1 sprint to watch on Friday night, with the 2021 William Reid Stakes upon us!

Let’s take a look at each and every runner going around at The Valley…

1 – Hey Doc – $15 💰

On his day he could certainly win this, loves the track and trip and took out the Manikato Stakes in the spring. He was very ordinary first up and would need to significantly improve to figure, can throw in wider exotics if you’re a fan.

2 – Kementari – $27 👀🏆💰

He’s a very hard horse to catch, but he did beat Celebrity Queen last start, who went on to win the Oakleigh Plate, which is great form for this. Monster price and it’s easy to have him onside as a knockout chance.

3 – Elite Street – $67

Big price but don’t think he’s returned the same horse he was when he won the Winterbottom Stakes in the spring.

4 – Indian Pacific – $27 👀🏆💰

How tough is this galloper? Monster run in the Newmarket Handicap and maps reslly well again here. Has to be a big chance at the odds.

5 – Ancestry – $7.50

Was shocking in the Oakleigh Plate then bounced back to win at listed level last start. Would have to put in a career best performance and negotiate a tricky draw to be in contention. Happy to be against.

6 – Masked Crusader – $9.50 👀🏆💰

We’re getting a big price about a supremely talented horse here, weaved through the pack and flashed home late to prove he’s up to Group 1 standard in the Canterbury Stakes last start. Will need luck from barrier 2 but has to be big a chance.

7 – Flit – $34

Has drawn well and has D Oliver onboard but you couldn’t back her with confidence with the performances she’s turned in this preparation.

8 – Libertini – $5 💰

Obviously a classy galloper with claims to be the best horse in the race, but her jump out didn’t look great and she may be set for something bigger and better later on this preparation in Sydney.

9 – Pippie – $16

Didn’t look great in the Lightning Stakes and her best work isn’t over the 1200m. Against her here.

10 – Bella Vella – $34

Resumed well in the Challenge Stakes, but is more of a 1000m type and will be running out of steam late.

11 – Brooklyn Hustle – $13 👀💰

She’s been enormous this preparation with bad luck on both occasions, but that’s always going to happen with her get back racing style. Can have her in exotics at the double figures.

12 – Portland Sky – $13

Very honest galloper who has now got a Group 1 win next to his name. Hard to talk you out of backing him, but think he’s running into a few with a bit more x factor here.

13 – September Run – $5 💰

At her best she can win this, but was very plain in the Newmarket when hot favourite and she had the race put on for her. Can forgive her the run but is she right to go at the short quote?

14 – Swats That – $13 👀💰

Was just okay in the Newmarket, likes the track and trip, can throw her in exotics.

Tip: 6-4-2-14