Race 5 – Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Series 1 – Heat 2 (955 METRES)
1 CALL TO GLORY – $5.00 / $2.00
Maps to find the rail early and gets blinkers on for the first time, which could sharpen him up noticeably in a high-pressure dash. Strong prior form over the Flemington straight and boxed on well last time off hot early splits. Proven weight carrier and profiles ideally with the 3kg claim. Could give a bold sight if left alone early.
2 KA YING LUCKY – $26.00 / $6.50
Speedy Kiwi visitor who brings a bank of wins over this trip and looks a sharp type when right. Won’t get conditions to suit like he did in NZ and drawn wide, but if the inside chops out late, he could be launching with purpose. Place claims on exposed figures, especially if the tempo collapses.
8 ONE HARD LADY – $3.90 / $1.75
Explosive type with an unbeaten 3-from-3 record over the short course and a turn of foot that suits Moonee Valley. Maps to hold leaders back from gate 1 and looks to get the last crack in a race likely to suit those off the fence. Market support early and late would be significant. Hard to knock and has upside.
Race 6 – Symal Handicap (2040 METRES)
1 LINCOLN ROCKS (NZ) – $4.20 / $1.90
Strong third-up placement after closing late behind stronger company here last start. Drawn wide again but maps similarly midfield with cover and gets a top jock claim. Loves the Valley and has a sharp turn of foot when saved up. Profiles beautifully and looks ready to peak.
9 KOKORO – $9.50 / $2.90
Bounced back to form last start when narrowly beaten at Flemington. Drawn well in barrier 1 to box seat and gets a senior hoop on. Figures stack up for this grade and the extra distance is a big plus. Expect sharp improvement again.
11 MY ROCA FELLA (NZ) – $11.00 / $3.10
Winner last start at this trip and has been building a solid base this prep. Tactically versatile and has been finishing off his races strongly. Faces stiffer competition but looks a solid each-way chance again with map favours.
Race 7 – Piper-Heidsieck Handicap (1600 METRES)
1 EMPHASIZE (NZ) – $6.50 / $2.20
Gets in well here dropping from Group company and maps ideally midfield one off with McNeil aboard. Fitter third-up and should appreciate the rise in trip. Class could tell late if he gets the gaps.
2 NURSERY CHIME – $10.00 / $3.20
Honest mare who rarely runs a bad race and is now rock-hard fit after consistent performances over similar trips. Drawn wide but racing style allows her to roll forward or sit handy. Respect at a price.
10 NAINA – $3.20 / $1.60
Progressive Waller mare hitting her straps now. Big effort last start and drops nicely in weight for this. Jye sticks, maps perfectly, and looks the one they all have to beat. Best bet of the night.
Race 8 – MSC Signs Handicap (1200 METRES)
2 LAZY SUSAN – $19.00 / $5.00
Veteran flyer with strong figures around the Valley and has run time here before. May be past her peak but gets in with a light weight and could pinch it if the rail is hot.
8 HOLA AMIGOS – $9.00 / $2.70
Honest type who rarely misses the placings. Second-up record reads well and maps to get a soft run in transit. Looks a safe each-way bet.
10 SUN SETTING – $4.20 / $1.80
Looks a real Valley type. Has tactical speed and sharp acceleration. Draws well and comes off an excellent run at Flemington. Can control the race and win. Profiles perfectly.
The Professor’s Plays:
Best Bet:
NAINA (Race 7) – Progressive type who profiles perfectly at the mile. Ready to win.
Value:
KOKORO (Race 6) – Finally draws a soft gate and gets a big tick for the map.
Each-Way:
ONE HARD LADY (Race 5) – Unbeaten at the trip and maps to pounce late.
Quaddie Numbers:
Race 5: 1, 2, 8 | Race 6: 1, 9, 11 | Race 7: 1, 2, 10 |Race 8: 2, 8, 10
