Group One Moir Stakes - Mooney Valley 29/9/23

Cracking race we’ve got here ran at the Valley on Friday night over the 1000m. No surprises that is going to be a speed fest with some excellent short distance sprinters lining up here. Zoustyle and Acromantula possess the best gate speed here and expect them to jump well and take up the running, with Zoustyle from the inside gate holding the rails. Rothfire from gate 1 should box seat here with very good gate speed. Generation is likely to settle one out one back with short priced favourite Imperatriz 3rd pair back. Asfora and Uncommon James also have solid gate speed but from the high draws, there position will be determined in the first 200m after seeing what unfolds, 3 wide or 4th pair back. 

1: 7. Imperatriz 

No surprised with this, came to Australia with big expectations. First start he finished 2nd over the 1300m at Randwick in the Canterbury stakes, when $2.4 into $2.1, beaten by Artorious. I believe that was too far for him to be at his best running his L200m 1.1L slower than the race average, still producing an excellent overall rating. He then won a G1 over 1200m at Mooney Valley when 20 days between runs. He returned this prep with a bang winning in G2 company over the 1000m here. He ran a superb figure and outstanding late splits, -1.4L (400-200) and -3.8L (200-F) compared to the race average. 20 days between runs here will keep him fresh as we saw last prep. This is a bet even at the price.

4u at $1.8 

2: 1. Rothfire

Started third favourite behind Imperatriz and Giga Kick last time out over the MV 1000m. He was beaten 2.5L and obliterated over the L400m by Imperatriz. The betting had them closer together and he’ll enjoy a gun run here. Second best overall figure in the race. Next best and should finish closer than 2.5L off Imperatriz. 

No bet. 

3: 3 Uncommon James 

Very consistent type who put up excellent ratings all through his last 2 preps, especially last where he won and placed in a G1. He went to a new level there and returns here over the 1000m first-up, which is suitable. Draw is tricky, however. 

No bet.