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| Staff Writer |
The stage is set for a thrilling Moir Stakes Day at The Valley, with the fields now finalised for Saturday's high-quality card. The Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m) takes centre stage, supported by a programme celebrating some of the sport's modern greats.
Acceptances for the US$490,000 weight-for-age sprint were locked in on Tuesday, with the remainder of the card confirmed the following day. A trio of Listed races complement the main event, while the inaugural So You Think Stakes adds intrigue to the undercard.
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Golden Slipper heroine Lady Of Camelot heads the market for the Moir Stakes, with the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained filly looking to continue her winning ways. The daughter of I Am Invincible has been impressing in recent trials and connections are bullish about her chances despite it being her Valley debut.
Hot on her heels is the Ciaron Maher-trained Estriella, fresh off a gutsy fifth in the Gr.1 Robert Sangster Stakes. The mare's recent Cranbourne trial victory suggests she's primed for a big run.
Peter Moody's charge I Wish I Win adds further depth to the field. The consistent gelding comes off a stellar autumn/winter campaign, including a runner-up finish in The Everest and victory in the Gr.1 Kingsford Smith Cup.
Local specialist Mornington Glory could be the fly in the ointment. Gavin Bedggood's sprinter boasts a perfect record over course and distance, arriving in peak form after back-to-back Valley successes.
The Moir Stakes boasts an illustrious honour roll. Nature Strip claimed the prize in 2019 and 2021, bracketing those victories with triumphs in The Everest. Buffering secured a hat-trick of wins from 2012-2014, while the great Black Caviar saluted in 2010 and 2011 as part of her unbeaten 25-race career.
Three Listed races provide quality support to the main event. The Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) sees Kiwi Gr.1 winner Desert Lightning make his debut for the Moody-Coleman partnership. He'll face off against Regal Roller victor Arkansaw Kid and runner-up Who Dares in a compact field of seven.
The McKenzie Stakes (1200m) offers a springboard for Caulfield Guineas aspirants. Epimeles resumes in the nine-horse field, taking on Gr.1 placegetters Bosustow and Red Sea, as well as Stakes winner Althoff.
A field of nine fillies will contest the Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m), rounding out the black-type action on the card.
The inaugural So You Think Stakes (2000m) honours one of the all-time great Cox Plate champions. The US$130,000 open handicap has drawn a competitive field of 13, featuring proven performers Attrition, Pericles, Immediacy, Munhamek, Buffalo River, Muramasa and Pounding.
Racing kicks off at 12:10 pm, with the final event scheduled for 5:25 pm. While small fields feature in some races, the quality on show promises an enthralling day of spring racing action at The Valley.