Moonee Valley G1 William Reid S., $500,000, 1200m
Flying filly Sunlight (Zoustar) has drawn the outside gate, but the Tony McEvoy-prepared 3-year-old has the gate speed to race in her customary spot on the pace.
Her form is outstanding and her defeat of the older horses last time out in the G1 Newmarket H. at Flemington under-lined both her class and her determination.
Written By (Written Tycoon) was far from disgraced when sixth in the competitive G1 Lightning and the colt has since won a trial while Spright (Hinchinbrook) isn’t to be under-estimated. She was a gallant runner-up at Randwick in the G3 Wenona Girl off a wide run under 59kg.
Voodoo Lad (I Am Invincible) produced a fair run for fourth when resuming in the G2 Rubiton S., before disappointing in the G1 Newmarket H. He beat only four home so has a job on his hands to turn that around.
A better place prospect may be Fell Swoop (Not A Single Doubt) who continues to race well in strong company and his run in the G1 Oakleigh Plate was sound. Dothraki (Mossman) wasn't that far away in the Newmarket and he's a tough campaigner and in with hope of a minor cheque.
Defending champ in hot form
Moonee Valley G2 Sheamus Mills Bloodstock Sunline S., $200,000, 1600m
Spanish Reef (Lope De Vega {Ire}) won this event last season and she fronts up for her title defence in super form.
With two runs under her belt, she added the G3 Matron S. to her tidy record last time out and trainer Ken Keys has her at the top of the game for this.
She beat Naantali (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) at Flemington and the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained 4-year-old will be a worthy opponent again. I Am A Star (NZ) (I Am Invincible) needs to turn her form around to be competitive, but at best she is a major player.
The connections of Consensus (NZ) (Postponed {USA}) have changed tack because of the wet Sydney weather and she is in good form. From a handy gate, she can give a bold sight.
Kingdom set for victory
Moonee Valley G3 Dynamic Print Group Alexandra S., $160,000, 1600m
A step up in trip looks ideal for Victory Kingdom (Animal Kingdom {USA}) following her run for second in the G3 Kewney S. She has made an excellent start to her career for Lindsay Park and Craig Williams has the reins again .
Angelic Ruler (Universal Ruler) and Rock Dove (Epaulette) are both holding their form admirably while Mirette (Unencumbered) is unbeaten this preparation and ready for a crack at black type.
Look for sharp improvement from Princess Jenni (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}), who made late ground in the Kewney. The mile will suit the filly and she can get into the frame at decent odds.
Debut winner to strike again
Moonee Valley Listed Sun Stud Valley Pearl S., $140,000, 1200m
Treaty Of Seville (Shooting To Win) was a stylish debut winner at Cranbourne and from a handy barrier and Michael Walker booked, the colt can add to his record.
Cheer Leader (Snitzel) followed up her debut third with a runner-up finish in a Listed event at Flemington. Mayan (Nicconi) won well enough at Morphettville to seriously consider and Dirty Work (Written Tycoon) was a strong third in Sydney, an effort which bodes well for his chances in this.
Valac poised to go one better
Albury Listed Albury Commercial Club Albury Gold Cup, $180,000, 2000m
Valac (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) got up to a suitable trip at Flemington last time out and ran accordingly finishing a sound second and there looks to be more to come from the grey.
Thunder Cloud (Manhattan Rain) was third in that race and promises to be competitive again while Ambitious (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) was unplaced resuming, but has twice won second-up. Taikomochi (Snitzel) gave a bold sight when third in the Listed Canberra Cup and there’s no reason to think he won’t be close up in this.
