A full field of 15, plus one emergency, has been assembled for Saturday’s Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.
The 1000-metre sprint is spearheaded by Queensland’s Rothfire, who will be joined by fellow northern representatives Payline and Golden Boom. Payline had his first look at the Valley on Tuesday morning with a course gallop in preparation for his Melbourne debut.
Prepared by Chris and Corey Munce, Payline has raced exclusively in Queensland during his 21-start career, collecting five wins. He already has Group 1 experience, including a third-place finish in the Doomben 10,000 behind Sunshine In Paris and Rothfire earlier this year.
Trainer Chris Munce said the gelding has adapted quickly. “He’s settled in nicely. He had a nice little jump-out last week at Flemington, and we brought him out to Moonee Valley just to have a look at the track and have a bowl around,” Munce said. “I was pleasantly surprised seeing him rail up quite well on Tuesday. He looked to change legs when he needed to, and I don’t think that will be an issue.”
The 1000m trip will be on the sharper side, but Munce said the run will help shape his spring. Possible options include the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 26 and the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Flemington in November. “It’s a full field, and he’ll need luck in running, but if he gets the right luck, he will be hitting the line pretty strong,” Munce said.
The unbeaten filly Esha, trained by Shane Nichols and Hayden Black, has been listed as first emergency and requires a scratching to secure a start. The barrier draw will be conducted on Tuesday evening.