The Group 2 Australia Stakes headlines a big day of racing at The Valley on Saturday and we are set for nine excellent contests.
Marabi is one of the most exciting mares in the country and she will face her toughest test to date in the Australia Stakes, while there are a host of interesting betting races spread right across the card.
We have analysed every single race on the card and our complete Australia Stakes Night tips can be found below.
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Race 1 – 12:40pm – Mitty’s Handicap (1500m)
Throntari has been racing well without winning this campaign and she has an excellent chance to get the job done in the opener at The Valley.
She has finished second in her past two race starts, at Caulfield and Ladbrokes Park Sandown, and this race is no tougher.
There are no stars in this field and she might be the filly with the most upside.
Race 2 – 1:15pm – Ladbrokes Handicap (1600m)
It is no surprise to see that there has been early support for Star Of Eden.
She comes out of a decent form race at Flemington last start, as do a number of other horses in this field, and she still has the upside to improve.
There isn’t a huge amount of speed in this contest and Jye McNeil should be able to dictate terms in the early stages of the race.
Race 3 – 1:50pm – Ascend Sales Trophies Handicap (1600m)
Stay Gold is deserving of her status as a dominant favourite in this contest.
She has scored three wins from her past four race starts and she keeps improving every time that she is seen at the races.
The Toorak Toff mare has won well at The Valley in the past and she maps to get a lovely run right on the speed with Jamie Kah in the saddle.
Race 4 – 2:25pm – Martin Ralston Cup (2040m)
Rousseau is a better horse than his recent form suggests and I am confident that he can return to his best form in the Martin Ralston Cup.
His two previous runs at The Valley have been of the highest quality and his best form is more than good enough to win a race of this quality.
The $9.50 currently available is well and truly over the odds.
Race 5 – 3:00pm – VOBIS Gold Carat (1200m)
This is the trickiest betting race of the day and I think that the market has got it just about right.
Finance Tycoon is the class horse in this contest, but he does lack race fitness and that is a genuine concern.
In saying that, he has scored three wins from his seven race starts in much tougher company than this and anywhere near his best form would give him a clear ratings edge over the rest of this field.
Pinstriped was good on debut and Danny’s St Darci went to a new level last start.
Race 6 – 3:40pm – Steamatic Handicap (1600m)
I can’t get Gentleman Roy anywhere near as short as his current quote and I am happy to bet around him.
It doesn’t surprise to see the early market move for Delightful Journey.
He never gave his rivals a chance when he won by more than four lengths at Cranbourne last start and The Valley seems like the ideal track for him.
Michael Poy can take him straight to the front and he will give his rivals something to catch.
Race 7 – 4:20pm – Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m)
Marabi is a star in the making and she is deserving of her status as a dominant favourite in Australia Stakes betting.
She has now recorded five wins from as many race starts and she was up to the task when she beat Away Game to take out the Christmas Classic.
Her two previous wins at The Valley have been nothing short of outstanding and she is a mare that does have speed to burn.
Barrier three is perfect and Ben Allen will be able to settle her right on the speed.
I don’t want to lose on the race if Wild Planet gets the job done.
He isn’t the most consistent horse in the world, but he does run well fresh and his best form is good enough to put him right in the mix.
Race 8 – 5:00pm – Rendr Handicap (1000m)
Midwest is my best bet of the weekend and I think that he is outstanding value at his current quote of $3.50.
He has scored three wins from as many starts this campaign and he has improved each time that he has been seen at the races.
There was a huge amount to like about his last start win at Caulfield and a repeat of that effort would make him too strong for this field.
Logan McNeil can ride him aggressively from the wide barrier draw and he will give his rivals something to catch.
Race 9 – 5:40pm – Measure Consulting Engineers Handicap (1000m)
This is a tricky way to finish the day and the majority of punters will be going very wide in the quaddie.
Champagne Dreams does appeal at her current quote.
Her two wins have been excellent this campaign and her record over 1000 metres is very strong.
She can sit behind what should be a strong tempo in the early stages of this race and will have the last shot at her rivals late.