William Reid Stakes Night takes place on Friday the 21st of March, 2014. Hosted at Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne, this great night of racing features the Group 1 William Reid Stakes and supporting events. A number of members and public dining packages are available, along with a range of on-course food and beverage options.
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Along with the Group 1 William Reid Stakes, racegoers can also look forward to the Group 2 Sunline Stakes, Listed Alexandra Stakes, and five supporting races. The first race is run at 6.45pm, with the main event at 9.45pm and the last race at 10.15pm. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a night at the races amidst the beautiful atmosphere of Moonee Valley Racecourse.
| Race Times | Name | Distance | Prize | |
| Race 1 | 18:45 | Mitchelton Wines Tour of Victoria | 2040M | $80,000 |
| Race 2 | 19:15 | Ascend Sales Handicap | 1200M | $80,000 |
| Race 3 | 19:45 | 1PRINT.COM.AU Plate | 1200M | $100,000 |
| Race 4 | 20:15 | Schweppes Alexandra Stakes | 1600M | $120,000 |
| Race 5 | 20:45 | Essendon Mazda 55 Second | 955M | $55,000 |
| Race 6 | 21:15 | Sportingbet Sunline Stakes | 1600M | $220,000 |
| Race 7 | 21:45 | William Reid Stakes | 1200M | $400,000 |
| Race 8 | 22:15 | Jeep Don’t Hold Back Handicap | 1200M | $80,000 |
On-course food and beverage facilities will be available on the night, including fast food vending, bookmakers’ hot dog and sausage stand, saddle bar, and market place takeaway. Members will have access to the Octagonal Lounge, Parade Bar, and Level 2 Bistro, with additional public and members dining packages available.
There are plenty of ways to get to Moonee Valley Racecourse, with the Craigieburn train line from Flinders Street Station stopping at Moonee Ponds Station and the No. 59 tram from Elizabeth Street arriving directly at Moonee Ponds junction. There is lots of public car parking available, with free parking via Dean St for guests and members parking via McPherson St.
Tickets are $20 for William Reid Stakes Night, with concession tickets available for $10 and children under 17 Free. Gates open at 5.15pm, with the first race at 6.45pm.
In the news:
Nigel Blackiston will saddle up two runners at Moonee Valley on Friday night, a task which could prove more difficult than it sounds.
On the racetrack, Suavito and You’re So Good are two of his most talented horses.
But at Blackiston’s Flemington stable, they are renowned for their difficult temperaments.
“Suavito kicks, she bites and she comes at you and You’re So Good is like that too,” Blackiston said.
“You have to watch yourself around them.”
The pair show a different attitude when they race.
Suavito has not missed a place in six starts while You’re So Good finished second to Ferlax in the Group One Australian Guineas last year.
She claimed the Listed Alexandra Stakes at her next start and Blackiston has set Suavito for Friday night’s edition of the three-year-old feature.
You’re So Good will run in the Group Two Sunline Stakes on Friday’s program.
Blackiston said Suavito could earn a shot at Group One company in Sydney if she wins at Moonee Valley.
“If she wins, she can go up to Sydney to run in the Vinery,” Blackiston said.
“If that doesn’t work out, she’ll be able to go three weeks to the Adelaide (Australasian) Oaks at 2000 metres.”
The Vinery Stud Stakes is at Rosehill on April 5.
You’re So Good raced below her best in the spring but solid seconds at her two autumn starts have convinced Blackiston she is capable of posting her first win since the corresponding meeting last year.
Damien Oliver will ride Suavito while Damian Lane will partner You’re So Good.
