The William Reid Stakes headlines an extended 11 race card at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
11 of the best from Moonee Valley with a fairly strong support card for an interesting William Reid Stakes.
The headline act there is Jimmysstar who was electric first up when winning the Oakleigh Plate, running to a new peak rating of 121 with Racing & Sports. He was still finishing fast there with the overall time figure outstanding and the sectionals saying he can go even better. It's clearly the best rating anything in this field has produced, the next best being 116.
The only knock with Jimmy is barrier 2 at The Valley which could see traffic and pattern issues, but north of $3 is getting very tempting.
Nevertheless, we'll pass on Jimmy for the Melbourne Mail's best and instead head to the Alister Clark Stakes for the three-year-olds where it looks a case of rinse and repeat for Shanwah. He sat wide early, albeit on a slow speed, before slotting in just behind the pace in the Autumn Classic at Caulfield.
He showed a nice turn of foot there to come away and win by 1.5 lengths, and just looks to get a carbon copy here. There isn't any speed in the race and he draws softly for Brown who tracks the leaders everywhere they go. A few others coming through the Australian Guineas haven't done enough for me and could be out of play given the likely speed in the race.
The other bet that looks beautifully placed from a map position is Grinzinger Belle in the Sunline Stakes.
She led too quickly first up at Caulfield into the wind and faded late but has a couple of ratings that stand out here and I think that should knock the freshness off her nicely. Drawn wide, Bates goes on and can roll all the way to the front. Tipping she bounces back at healthy odds.
The Melbourne Mail
Bet of the day: Race 6 #2 Shanwah at $2.70
Next best: Race 8 #5 Grinzinger Belle at $6.00
