The world’s highest rated sprinter returns to racing at Moonee Valley this Saturday where, under set weight conditions, he’ll start the raging odds-on favourite to record his seventh consecutive victory. Even after drawing the widest gate in the field of nine around the tight Valley circuit, it’s hard to see Lankan Rupee not dominating here. He is at $1.25 with the only other runner given any chance of causing an upset being the 3yo filly – who’ll receive an 8.5kgs advantage from Lankan Rupee, Eloping ($8.50) Three of the remaining seven horses entered for the race have opened up at triple figure odds!

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McEwan Stakes 2014 Field:

1. LANKAN RUPEE – C Newitt (9)

The superstar sprinter returns to racing having won his last six starts in succession, the three most recent of which have been the G1 Oakleigh Plate, Newmarket Handicap and T. J. Smith Stakes. The Redoute’s Choice gelding travelled well within himself in a recent Cranbourne trail where he finished second (1 length) over 800m on a heavy track. Is the one they have to beat.

2. IT IS WRITTEN – M Allen (4)

A Moonee Valley specialist, the Robbie Griffith’s trained galloper will be having his fifteenth start at the track and looking to had to his record of five wins and five placings. His last start at Moonee Valley saw him run a typically honest third (1 length) behind Richie’s Vibe and Moment Of Change in the G2 Australia Stakes. He looked well in a recent Cranbourne Trial when ridden by Matthew Allen, who has partnered the son of Written Tycoon in each of his past seven starts.

3. UNPRETENTIOUS – C Williams (5)

Talented sprinter who caught the eye resuming last campaign with a good fifth (2.5 lengths) in the G1 The Lightning Stakes (1000m) – only the second time in five first up runs he hasn’t been successful. Two runs after that effort, he flashed home to run a neck third to Spirit Of Boom and Fontelina in the G1 William Reid Stakes – here at Moonee Valley. No trial in preparation for his return off a seventeen week spell here but trainer Nikki Bourke knows how to get him ready and he’ll be hitting the line hard here.

4. OUR NKWAZI – D Dunn (8)

The 8yo gelding will be lining up for this twelfth start this campaign, which kicked off late April this year, and none of his previous starts would suggest that he could be winning here. As a 30/1 shot and carrying 54kgs, he claimed Solsay right on the line two starts back in a Open class sprint over this course before running last when attempting a better class race – the Listed Carlyon Stakes, finishing over nine lengths from the winner Iconic. Hard to see him figuring in the finish here.

5. ACADEMY JACK – N Hall (5)

Had little luck over the final stages when sixth (0.9 lengths) in a BM 90 (1200m) at Moonee Valley a fortnight ago. Settling third back on the fence, the son of Royal Academy was angling for a run in the straight that tightened at a crucial stage, limiting his ability to hit top gear in the final 100m. Three of his four wins have been on heavy tracks with his latest victory coming eleven starts and a year ago now. Racing pattern requires luck and would think at this level, a place chance at best.

6. CAUTHEN – S Arnold (3)

Smart galloper who won two of his first four starts including an impressive in last year’s Listed McKenzie Stakes over this course, where he defeated subsequent Cox Plate winner, Shamus Award (2^nd) and Caulfield Guineas winner, Long John (3^rd). Hasn’t seen the starter since January this year and will be having his first race for new trainer Troy Busuttin. Scratched from Wednesday’s Sandown meeting and despite the lengthy lay-off, has to be treated with respect.

7. ANGELIC LIGHT – R Maloney (1)

Fast the starter for the first time in almost a year and a half last fortnight in the Carlyon Stakes and was slowly away, missing the start by a handful of lengths. She gathered herself quickly to make ground along the fence and found herself behind the leaders as they turned for home. The Holy Roman Emperor filly was then tightened when looking for a run along the fence and given her run, her effort to finish third (1.1 lengths) behind Iconic, was a commendable one. Another representative of Robbie Griffiths’ stable who enjoys the Valley, having won two Listed races and placing in two more starts from four starts. A better start here should see her in a prominent spot and with a chance of keeping her track record intact.

8. ORUJO – T Berry (7) 52kgs

Resumed from a spell as the 9/4 favourite in a BM 70 (1000m) at Sandown- Hillside and registered her second career win (from six starts) before lining up as favourite again in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m). The Exceed And Excel colt drew wide and was caught deep in the run before sliding forward as they left the 600m to join the leader’s rounding the turn. As they straightened, the run took its toll and he battled on for sixth (5.2 lengths) behind the impressive winner Rich Enuff. Drawn wide again here and would need to find more.

9. ELOPING – L Meech (2) 50kgs

The 3yo filly returns to racing after having won four of her eight starts as a two year, including the G3 Royal Randwick Stakes. The daughter of Choisir is a professional sprinter who with only 50kgs on her back here and a good draw, will have them all chasing as they turn from home. Whilst she’s competed on six different tracks during her career this far, this is her first look at the Valley circuit but would expect the track and surface to be to her liking.

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Odds/Results:

RACE OVERVIEW

Eloping will scoot along the paint to lead with Lankan Rupee keeping her company. He’ll be too good and should win this easily but for some better value than the $1.25 on offer at the moment, maybe a straight out trifecta with Eloping and Unpretentious. Throw in Cauthen, Angelic Light and It’s Written for the first four.

1. LANKAN RUPEE
2. ELOPING
3. UNPRETENTIOUS
4. ANGELIC LIGHT

More News:

Jockey David Walker is facing a second charge of betting on another horse in a race he rode in.

On Wednesday it was alleged Walker, 38, placed a head-to-head bet on Sam I Am at Waverley on July 31, in a race where he rode Lil Mer.

Sam I Am subsequently finished seventh while Lil Mer was 10th.

Last week Walker was charged with placing a head-to-head bet on St Ransom in a race at Awapuni on August 16 in a race in which he was riding Watch Your Man.

The Racing Integrity Unit contends Walker placed bets on St Ransom and deliberately rode Watch Your Man to ensure his bets were successful.

Under New Zealand’s racing rules, a rider may only bet on the horse he is riding.

Walker is understood to have admitted placing both bets but will defend himself on charges he failed to ride his own mounts out, NZ Racing Desk reported.

A hearing has been scheduled for September 18 at Trentham racecourse in Upper Hutt.

Walker has had a successful career as a jockey.

Among his victories were Group One triumphs aboard C’est La Guerre in the 2008 New Zealand Derby, Legs in the 2006 New Zealand Oaks and Porotene Gem in the Levin Classic.

His father Jim Walker was best known for riding former New Zealand and Australian Horse of the Year Veandercross.