The Moonee Valley Cup, now known as the Drake International Cup sees several horse on the fringe of making the Melbourne Cup field, looking to sure up their position in the field with victory here.
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Drake International Cup Form Guide
1. UNUSUAL SUSPECT – B Rawiller (3)
He ran ninth in last year’s Melbourne Cup before spending the first half of this year in Dubai, where he competed unsuccessfully in four starts before returning to the stables of Mick Kent. In three runs back in Australia, the 9yo has failed to make an impression and finished second to last at his most recent outing – the Cranbourne Cup. He would have to improve significantly on recent efforts to factor here.
Odds: $51.00
2. PRECEDENCE – J McDonald (9)
He continued his liking for this track by winning here second up this preparation over a mile and taking his Moonee Valley record to four wins from seven starts. He hasn’t had much like in either of his subsequent runs which have been G3 JRA Cup and the G2 Herbert Power. Drawn out wide won’t be much of a concern for him as he like the space to wind up. Definite chance.
Odds: $5.00
3. RIALYA – D Oliver (8)
He won the Adelaide Cup (3200m) earlier this year so no queries with him about getting the trip. He likes to roll along in front and he did that last start in the Listed Bart Cummings (2520m) before being run down by Tanby, Maluckyday and Dame Claire. He’ll be fitter again for that fourth up run and has won his only start at this track.
Odds: $41.00
4. IRONSTEIN – B Avdulla (5)
Each of his four runs this time in after a shot let up from a successful Brisbane Winter campaign, have indicated that he’s primed for a race like this. He did have every chance last start the G2 Herbert Power before being claimed late by Shahwardi and Excluded. This is a grade down from that run and he should be right in the mix.
Odds: $6.50
5. SHENZHOU STEEDS – K McEvoy (7)
He rounded off his Brisbane Winter Carnival with effortless victories in the Ipswich and Caloundra Cups before a brief let-up. He returned with a sixth in the G2 Makybe Diva and a pleasing effort behind Folding Gear (good in the Caulfield Cup since) in the G3 Naturalism Stakes. We did expect more of him, as did most punters, when stepping out at 13/4 in the Listed Bart Cummings last start only to finish eighth, beaten over 8 lengths. Can forgive him that one run and does enjoy the sting out of the ground so would think the Strathayr surface of the Valley would suit.
Odds: $8.50
6. MOUDRE – C Williams.
He ran a cracking race first up off a year’s break in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington but in two subsequent runs in the G1 Turnball Stakes and last week in the Caulfield Cup, he was beaten 8.5 and 7.4 lengths respectively. He’ll have to lift to figure in the finish here.
Odds: $7.50
7. REUBEN PERCIVAL – N Rawiller (10)
He had to lug 60kgs first up over a mile three starts back before jumping straight to the 2400m of the Metropolitan and registered a great effort to run third behind Glencadam Gold. He then came to Melbourne for a tilt at the G2 Herbert Power but nothing much went right for him there and he finished ninth, beaten 7.2 lengths behind Shahwardi. Prepared to forgive him that run and at $15.00, a little each-way might be worth consideration.
Odds: $15.00
8. IBICENCO – C Newitt (6)
First look for Australian race-goers at Luca Cumani’s 5yo. He has competed with merit in some top stayer races in Europe during his ten start career which reads one win and five placings – including a second in G1 over 2400m. Normally rolls on the pace and has been kept very safe at $5.00
Odds: $5.00
9. MIDAS TOUCH – J Bowman (11)
He has improved at each of his five runs this time in with the latest being a fourth of six (beaten 3.9) behind Ocean Park in the Caulfield Stakes. He gets to probably the right trip for him for the first time in Australia, drops 4kg and will make his own luck on pace.
Odds: $5.00
10. FICTIONAL ACCOUNT – C Schofield (1)
Put in a tough effort this track and distance two starts back when a close second to Buxted in the JRA Stakes before failing to make an impression in the G1 Metropolitan (2400m) finishing a well beaten tenth. Despite the effort two starts back, this is a step up in grade again and he’ll more than likely be found wanting.
Odds: $26.00
11. VATUVEI – L Nolen (2)
Started 4/1 favourite in the Cranbourne Cup a fortnight ago but was no match for impressive winner Midnight Martini and finished eighth. Winner of the VRC St. Ledger during with Winter so he’ll appreciate the step up on distance but no so the step up in grade.
Odds: $13.00
OVERVIEW
A very good edition of the Moonee Valley – or, Drake International Cup this year with several legitimate chances and an open market with three equal favourites in the early market. Ibecenco, Midas Touch and Precedence are all quoted at $5.00. Never quite sure how the internationals will measure up despite the form they have posted previously. Midas Touch will appreciate the weight conditions of this race and the fact that he finally gets out to a right distance. Precedence loves the Valley and hasn’t had much luck at his latest outings and can easily be involved in the finish. Like the latter two runners the most with Ironstein and Reuben Percival to round out the placings.
