3 minute read
The Moir Stakes headlines a bumper ten-race card at Moonee Valley.
A fascinating Moir Stakes is no doubt the highlight where some very progressive sprinters take on a potentially unsuited I Wish I Win.
I've got a leaning in that race, for which a full preview can be found here, but for the best bet on the card it's hard to go past Pericles in the newly named So You Think Stakes.
Bit harsh for one of Australia's greatest ever to only get an open race over 1500m named after him but Pericles does look ideally placed here at the set weights and penalties off a very good/unlucky return in the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m).
He's run to a Timeform rating of 116 there and arguably would've won the race if not held up at the 300m mark.
Go back to last campaign and he's only run to 103 first up before improving 14 pounds to finish second to Mr Brightside in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m).
He ended the preparation with a 119 rating second in the Doncaster Mile and anything like that sort of form just beats these, and beats them well.
1500m second up is perfect for him, he has the option to roll forward and get a good run off what looks a strong speed which should bring the best horse to the fore.
$2.40 here looks fair betting.
I found it tough to find one at each-way odds this week with most races shooting fairly straight and aside from the bet in the Moir, we'll look to the last where Piastri is beautifully placed to continue his excellent run of form.
He's won three of four this time in, dominant when wide on a good speed at Caulfield two back before going to Sydney and again winning well. He's posted Timeform ratings of 100 and 103 at his past two and should continue to improve.
He steps to a benchmark 84 here which looks a nice target, staying down in the weights and drawn well for Dee. This race doesn't really have a horse with his upside, and the ratings say he's already good enough to win.
I'm surprised we're getting north of $3.50 to play here and will make him the other best on the card.
