Moonee Valley race-by-race preview & quaddie | September 27, 2024

Race 1: 3YO Open Handicap (1200m)

Being a two-time Group 3 winner already, Dublin Down needs to give his rivals at least 2kg at the weights, but he is the obvious class runner in the field. As usual, his first-up run was only average, but with a win and a second from two second-up runs, we know he takes great benefit with a run under his belt. Harry Coffey will have Dublin Down close to the speed from barrier three, from where he should prove too hard to hold out.

• 1
  

  DUBLIN DOWN

• 8
  

  GALLANT SON

• 2
  

  STAY FOCUSED

• 3
  

  STANLEY EXPRESS

Race 2: BM84 Handicap (1200m)

War Machine has not been seen since winning the Listed Bendigo Guineas (1600m) in April, but he should be raring to go after a couple of Flemington jumpouts. The four-year-old gelding strung together three straight wins last campaign, improving in each outing to suggest he may come back even better. With a well-timed sprint, War Machine should blow his rivals away.

• 10
  

  WAR MACHINE

• 7
  

  GUMDROPS

• 4
  

  BARAQIEL

• 3
  

  BARBER

Race 3: BM84 Handicap (955m)

The 955m track record may be in danger if Pharari is allowed to be a ‘fast horse’. The four-year-old mare dispatched her rivals with ease on firm ground when saluting by 2.8 lengths eased down at Sandown on September 4. Pharari is clearly a Group 1 horse in the making, and if Ethan Brown can land her one off the rail, she should prove too hard to overhaul.

• 12
  

  PHARARI

• 11
  

  PASSEGGIATA

• 2
  

  MARBLE NINE

• 8
  

  FRILLED

Race 4: Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m)

Just four horses will line up in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m), with all eyes on the potential match race between Pride Of Jenni and our on top selection, Mr Brightside. Having overhauled his main rival in the shadows of the post to win the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes, Mr B returns to The Valley, where he has three wins and a runner-up effort behind Romantic Warrior in last year’s Cox Plate. The son of Bullbars will be hitting the line strongly, and with a bit of luck, he’ll wear down Pride Of Jenni once again.

• 1
  

  MR BRIGHTSIDE

• 4
  

  PRIDE OF JENNI

• 2
  

  ANTINO

• 3
  

  ATTRITION

Race 5: Group 3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m)

The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Matisse was sent to Queensland in the winter for a soft maiden kill on the back of some handy runs in the Blue Diamond Series. She is armed with a strong turn of foot and will seemingly only get better as she steps out in trip this season. Matisse will be at the rear of the field upon settling, but look for her to be flying home late to win the Group 3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m).

• 6
  

  MATISSE

• 4
  

  GEEGEES MISTRUTH

• 1
  

  ENEEZA

• 3
  

  BELLATRIX STAR

Race 6: Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m)

Detroit City caught the eye when hitting the line strongly behind Dawn Service and Daggers in the Listed Exford Plate (1400m), finishing 1.2 lengths off the front-running winner. He simply gave his rivals too much of a start, but as he steps up in distance in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m), he can turn the tables. From barrier three, Billy Egan can have Detroit City a touch closer this time, and it should prove to be the difference.

• 5
  

  DETROIT CITY

• 2
  

  EVAPORATE

• 3
  

  DAWN SERVICE

• 1
  

  RUE DE ROYALE

Race 7: Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m)

Sparks will fly in the 2024 Group 1 Manikato Stakes, and with $2 million on the line, it will be the survival of the fittest. Will one of the three three-year-olds reign supreme? Or will someone like I Wish I Win remind the new kids on the block he is still the one to beat in this neck of the woods?

Click here for our full preview of the 2024 Manikato Stakes

Race 8: Group 2 Stocks Stakes (1514m)

WA mare Alsephina was forced to run three wide with no cover on a Heavy 9 first-up in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes. She needs to overturn a 4.2-length deficit to Grinzinger Belle, who she now meets even better at the weights. Blake Shinn will need a touch of luck to slot in from barrier 10, but if the pair are afforded that luck, Alsephina will prove too hard to hold out this time in the Group 2 Stocks Stakes (1514m).

• 5
  

  ALSEPHINA

• 3
  

  MARACANA

• 1
  

  GRINZINGER BELLE

• 4
  

  SECOND TO NUN