A 13-horse field has been assembled for Saturday’s $750,000 Group 1 Moir Stakes at Sandown, with promising three-year-old Natural Fling the $3.60 favourite despite drawing the outside barrier.
Natural Fling will carry just 50kg for Jamie Melham, who will take the ride on the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained filly.
Giga Kick, the highest-rated horse in the field, resumes from barrier nine with Mark Zahra aboard, while Rothfire will jump from the inside gate in his return to racing.
Eleven mares and fillies dominate the field, with Giga Kick and Rothfire the only males, while Cavalry Girl arrives having already won twice this preparation.
The Moir will be run at Sandown-Hillside instead of its traditional home at The Valley, which remains under reconstruction, with the rail returning to the true position for Saturday’s meeting.
With last year’s winner Baraqiel in retirement and runner-up Alabama Lass racing in New Zealand on Saturday, Skybird and Rothfire are the only horses returning from last year’s Moir field.
