24/1/20 Moonee Valley Tips: Australia Stakes Preview

Distance	1200m
Grade	Group 2
Track Rating	Good 4
Prizemoney	$200,000
Class	WFA
2019 winner	Whispering Brook ($3.20)

There looks to be a tonne of early speed engaged for this year's running of the Australia Stakes, with a number of runners set to battle it out for the lead in the early exchanges.

Race favourite Hey Doc has drawn barrier 1, which could prove disadvantageous and see the horse buried back along the inside. 

I am with one who can reach the front and if he's well rated, can bluff a few of the challengers through the mid-stages.   

 

 Moonee Valley Track Traits

The Moonee Valley surface is currently rated a Good 4, with the rail in the True position. Some showers are predicted in Melbourne on Thursday, however it's expected to clear for a fine Friday race night.

With the very tight turning circuit at Moonee Valley, it is a distinct advantage to be racing on or close to speed. 

As always, a close watch is advised early to determine any fast lanes or bias. 

 

 Racing Market Movers

Race favourite Hey Doc remains solid in early betting at around the $2.45 mark.

Godolphin hope and important stallion prospect Microphone, has attracted some support and is $6.50 into $5.50. 

 

 Key Runners

#1 Hey Doc $2.45

Arrives first-up following the Group 1 heroics at Ascot, where he led and gave nothing else a chance in the Winterbottom Stakes.

I feel that he is severely unsuited jumping from barrier 1 here, and could be buried three back along the inside if crossed.

The trainer has also indicated that he is not fully screwed down and being such a big horse, takes plenty of effort to keep fit. Prefer others.  

 

#2 Scales Of Justice $4.50

Is likely to find the premier position in running here from gate 2, where he can lob just in behind the leading pair and peel when required.

The early market support is interesting from the Lindsay Smith stable, who are very shifty. This indicates that they must have him ready to explode first-up. 

With a very generous speed map, he must be included in everything. Yes. 

 

#3 Manuel $19

Can lob in the three wide moving line, which may be the place to be as they turn for home.

The recent Gold Coast trial win was impressive, however it is hard to trust as a reliable guide for this. 

No doubt that he is smart, although on ability I expect he may be a shade below the top ones in this. No. 

 

#4 Begood Toya Mother $5.00 

Has an outstanding overall record (13:8-1-0) and does love racing first-up (3:2-1-0).

From the outside draw in gate 9, I expect them to either lead or sit outside the front-runner. Both positions are positive.

The current $5 is acceptable for a class horse who looks suited in this.

He will be kicking for a long way. Goes on top. 

 

#6 Ringerdingding $20

Has promised plenty in past preparations and has always carried the boom of a good horse.

The stable have entered him at Group level many times, which indicates the high regard he must be held in.

A weaker Group 2 level event here is where he could fire first-up, particularly if this is a fast run race. Very wary.  

 

#8 Embrace Me $16 

Typically enjoys getting back in the field and running home over the top and could be well suited here with that racing profile.

We expect good speed and if he gets a nice tow into it on the three wide line, he could well be last man standing.

Needs the cards to fall his way and is up in class, however you can't completely rule him out.  

 

#9 Microphone $6.50 > $5.50

Was a champion two-year-old and has been very cautiously managed by Godolphin for his return here.

They would be desperate to keep a good record intact for his stud aspirations, and would have him screwed right down for this.

He could easily blow them all away and if there was a strong late move in betting, elevate him to top pick. Yes. 

 

Of The Others

None Preferred 

 

 Best Racing Tips

1^st  Begood Toya Mother

2^nd  Scales Of Justice

3^rd  Microphone

4^th  Hey Doc

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