Only a small field of seven take part in this race but with three Group 1 and one Group 2 winner included, it should still be an interesting race. According to the early markets, Punters are split on which of the above four horse deserves favouritism with less than a point separating them.
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1. RANGIRANGDOO – J Bowman (3)
The 8yo from the Chris Waller stable, who won this race way back in 2009, has had three runs back this time in. His most recent effort was in the Epsom handicap where he held his spot in the run to the line and finished 3.5 lengths off the winner Fat Al. That was a race dominated by on pacers and we’d be better going of his effort two starts back in the G1 George Main Stakes where he was narrowly defeated by stable-mate, Shoot Out. He’ll be close to the speed throughout and will appreciate being back the WFA conditions.
Odds: $3.50
2. SOLZHENITSYN – C Brown (1)
He has been flying for Trainer Rob Heathcote and connections, winning five from his last six including, at his most recent start, the G1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield a fortnight back. The straight prior to that he was third behind Moment of Change and We’re Gonna Rock in the G1 Rupert Steele. He’s in as good as form as one can be.
Odds: $3.80
3. SPACECRAFT – C Schofield (6)
A David Hayes trained galloper who does possess a very good record of three wins and three seconds here at Moonee Valley, unfortunately though, the last of those wins was over two years ago now. Two of his past three runs have been here and, with every chance in the run, he finished second to Precedence and second again to Tokugawa. His recent record combined with the weight scale of this race, should see him comfortably held.
Odds: $101.00
4. ILLO – M Rodd (4)
Originally from Europe, the now 7yo joined the stables of Bart Cummings half-way through last year. He has shown glimpses of ability among the ten starts he has had in Australia including placing in the G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup and G2 Peter Young behind Lucas Cranach however, these efforts have been outnumbered clearly by the poor one. Ran eighth in the Toorak at 40/1 at his last start and can’t see him winning this.
Odds: $41.00
5. TOKUGAWA – S King (5)
5yo by Choisir who has won four of his ten starts including a dominate display when winning here two starts back, defeating Spacecraft by 3 ¼ Stepped out then in the G1 Toorak Handicap and thought we may have seen a little more from him that what we did when he finished sixth, beaten 4 lengths. Likes this track and might be able to sneak a place.
Odds: $19.00
6. AMBIDEXTER – K McEvoy (7)
A lightly raced 4yo from the Darley yard who has returned to racing by posting two outstanding efforts firstly, he won the G2 Theo Marks (1400m) in good style before having the second placed runner in that race – Fat Al, turn the table on him in the G1 Epsom Hcp three weeks back. He’s obviously going well enough to win this despite this being his first attempt at WFA and the Valley.
Odds: $3.70
7. SILENT ACHIEVER – J McDonald (2)
A smart Kiwi mare who, as a 3yo filly, won five of her first seven starts (including the NZ Derby) before crossing the Tasman running third in the G1 Rosehill Guineas and sixth in the Australian Derby. She returned home and was spelled after that run and resumed in a Terapa Open over 1400m running fourth of thirteen beaten 1 length. Obviously going to be much better for that run and has the ability to give this a decent shake.
Odds: $4.20
OVERVIEW
Like Rangirangdoo here. He is a proven WFA performer was very good two starts back in the G1 George Main and was solid again in race that was dominated by on-pacers last start and, his fourth up last prep he was beaten a nose by Manigahr in the G1 Ranvet Stakes. Ambidexter appears to be his biggest threat and should cross from his wider draw to be handy. His recent record is as good as it gets but from barrier one, rising seven kilos on his last start win, an extra point or two for Solzhenitsyn may be required.
