Group 1 racing returns to The Valley on William Reid Stakes Night!
The Friday night program kicks off another huge weekend of feature racing, and you can find my complete 2023 William Reid Stakes Night Tips below.
I think that Aspen Colorado can bounce back in the first on William Reid Night.
Aspen Colorado won here at The Valley when resuming this time, but he didn’t beat a runner home at Sandown last time out.
He clearly likes these unique conditions, while I am confident of further improvement third-up from a spell.
Our Heidi has been great since resuming this time, and she strikes another winnable race on Friday at The Valley.
The Needs Further mare won in Class 1 company at Morphettville back in December and has since finished second in two of three since, including one over this route last time.
I’m expecting further improvement into this race and she’ll be tough to toss.
Brave Mead has opened a short favourite in betting for the Valley Pearl and does look very hard to beat.
The Brave Smash colt finished third, beaten a head at Pakenham n debut, before recording a near five-length victory at his only other start.
This is harder, but he has plenty of upside, and any improvement at all will likely result in another win.
Could be a big night for the Australian Bloodstock silks at The Valley on Friday night, and Golden Crusader also rates as a key winning chance.
The Golden Horn gelding has raced consistently since debuting, winning twice and placing on a further four occasions (ten races total), and he was last seen filling the minors over 1600m here at The Valley.
Getting out in trip looks perfect for him, as does this race.
Barb Raider is third-up and ready to win, particularly over a mile, and particularly at The Valley.
The Rebel Raider mare has been a standout performer for Jerome Hunter since making her debut, and she is unlucky not to have won a Group 1 race.
She’s picked off plenty of nice ones regardless, and she is a proven performer here at The Valley.
There is some talented engaged in this Sunline Stakes field, but Barb Raider accounts for plenty of it!
Shalaman has been gelded since his last appearance, and I think that he can have an impact fresh on Friday night, at a lovely price ($13 at publish).
The son of Shalaa returned in strong and consistent form last time in, running second in the McKenzie Stakes as well as winning a race here at The Valley, but his form tailed off drastically and quickly after that.
Given his record at this track, I’m quietly confident he can deliver at the price.
In my opinion, it’s usually one of the more exciting Group 1 sprints of the autumn each year, and this edition of the William Reid Stakes looks like being no exception!
I’ve put Bella Nipotina on top, but you can find my full race preview and complete 2023 William Reid Stakes Tips RIGHT HERE.
I’m pretty keen on Papillon Club in the Alexandra Stakes.
Papillon Club won each of her first two starts back this time, including a BM70 race at Flemington on New Year’s Day, while she’s returned a couple of lovely performances to place in black type company since.
She steps out on Friday in peak order and it looks the perfect feature for her.