Classy sprinter Moment Of Change will get a vital look at the Moonee Valley circuit on Saturday ahead of two big spring sprints at the same track.
Last year’s Rupert Clarke Stakes winner, Moment Of Change resumes in Saturday’s Group Two McEwen Stakes (1000m) with the chance to build on his record of five wins from 13 starts and to get valuable experience at the unique track.
“It will give him a look (at Moonee Valley) before the Moir,” trainer Peter Moody said.
The Group One Moir Stakes (1200m) is run under lights at the Valley on September 27 while the Group One Manikato Stakes (1200m) on Cox Plate eve is also on Moment Of Change’s program.
Moody is hoping Moment Of Change handles the Valley and stamps himself as a genuine contender for the Moir and Manikato.
“You don’t know how they are going to go until you try it, but he’s adapted to most things,” Moody said.
Moment Of Change won at Group One level last spring and placed twice in the top grade earlier this year including a first-up second to Black Caviar at weight-for-age in the Lightning Stakes (1000m).
He was beaten in a photo finish in the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) before failing in Sydney and Adelaide Group One races.
Moody has been pleased with the way the sprinter has come back this campaign.
“He’s trialled well and done everything asked of him. I’m pleased where he is at heading forward,” Moody said.
With the retirement of Black Caviar in April, Moment Of Change looms as the main hope for Moody in the big sprints this spring.
“He’s a good, honest toiler and I think he’s proven himself to be a pretty good sprinter,” Moody said.
A field of 10 is set to contest the McEwen with Moment Of Change one of two Group One winners in the line up.
The Darren Weir-trained Platelet, who claimed the Robert Sangster Stakes-Goodwood double in Adelaide last preparation, also resumes in the McEwen.
