{"id":78817,"date":"2025-10-24T11:14:54","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T01:14:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/?p=78817"},"modified":"2025-10-24T11:15:57","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T01:15:57","slug":"2025-cox-plate-day-tips-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2025\/10\/2025-cox-plate-day-tips-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Cox Plate Day Tips & Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A special Saturday of racing awaits as the famed Moonee Valley Racecourse prepares to host the time-honoured Cox Plate<\/a> for one last time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closing for renovaitons, 10 races have been set on Day 2 of the Cox Plate Carnival, with the $6 million Group 1 feature scheduled as the very last race on the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nine of the 10 races are of black-type, including the Group 2 Crystal Mile<\/a> and the Moonee Valley Vase<\/a>, both worth $400,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s one of the best days on the spring calendar, and we’ve scanned the entire program to try and find some winners in our 2025 Cox Plate Day Preview! <\/p>\n\n\n

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Race 1 – Strathmore Community Bendigo Bank Imperatriz Sprint (1000 METRES)<\/div>\n
No. 9 Tonkin<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Tip of The Day<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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TONKIN (9)<\/strong> looks the one to beat to start the day.<\/p>\n

This talented Blue Point mare has won four of the six races she\u2019s contested so far, adding to her record stylishly at Sandown to kick off her prep in late August when she made every post a winner to go a length clear.<\/p>\n

Team Freedman sent her to Flemington three weeks later where she was a good thing beaten, given a slightly quieter ride under Ben Melham where the pair were held up briefly searching for a run along the rail. They eventually ran on well for second with Persian Spirit just finishing one better.<\/p>\n

She\u2019s been given a jump out between runs and plummets in weight now back to 53kg. If she settles forward like we expect from a softer gate this time, she looks very hard to beat.<\/p>\n

Moonee Valley R1 – Strathmore Community Bank Imperatriz Sprint Handicap<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2nd<\/span><\/div>
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9. Tonkin (3)<\/span>
J: Zac Lloyd<\/span> 53kg<\/span><\/div>
11×12<\/span>T: Anthony & Sam Freedman<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.35<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.40<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 20\/07\/2026 05:22:27 PM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: The Valley Race 1<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 2 – HKJC World Pool Red Anchor Stakes (1200 METRES)\u00a0<\/div>\n
No. 9 Live<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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LIVE (9)<\/strong> is capable of getting into the money here under Ben Melham.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The pair combined to win on debut at Geelong to start the month, driving hard down the outside over a touch shorter to hit the line hard in a head bob finish.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The filly by Zoustar was taken off her stride a little when the horse to her inside was forced to shift out around the 200m mark, so it\u2019s fair to say she could have won by more.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a slowly run race and this is much tougher up to Group 3 level, but if she produces that same turn of foot again from the inside barrier this time, she\u2019s capable of threatening.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moonee Valley R2 – Hkjc World Pool Red Anchor Stakes (G3)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2nd<\/span><\/div>
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9. Live (1)<\/span>
J: Ben Melham<\/span> 55kg<\/span><\/div>
1<\/span>T: Clinton McDonald<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
17.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
3.70<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 20\/07\/2026 05:22:28 PM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: The Valley Race 2<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 3 – Symal Crockett Stakes (1200 METRES)<\/div>\n
No. 7 Teine Aulelei\u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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\u00a0<\/strong>TEINE AULELEI (7)<\/strong> could be the one over the odds in this race.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The chestnut filly by Tagaloa is yet to run a poor race during her short career, winning on debut on a wet day at Bendigo back in June, before heading to Caulfield where she went within 1.5 lengths of Signature Scent, a filly who has been competitive in two recent runs at Group 3 and Stakes level. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She resumed at Bendigo three weeks ago for third, quickening strongly along the rail where she rattled off the second-fastest final 200m sectional of the meeting.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Likely to improve sharply off that first-up run over 1100m, I think she can surprise if she finds cover early and settles back off the speed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moonee Valley R3 – Symal Crockett Stakes (L)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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5th<\/span><\/div>
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7. Teine Aulelei (12)<\/span>
J: Ben Melham<\/span> 56kg<\/span><\/div>
13×3<\/span>T: Luke Oliver<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
16.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
4.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 20\/07\/2026 05:22:28 PM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: The Valley Race 3<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 4 – 3 Point Motors Fillies Classic (1600 METRES)\u00a0<\/div>\n
No. 1 Salty Pearl\u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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SALTY PEARL\u2019S (1)<\/strong> recent form is very tough to knock heading into this year’s Group 2 Moonee Valley Fillies Classic<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ciaron Maher\u2019s three-year-old was third here at The Valley fresh in the Atlantic Jewel to kick off her spring, then heading to the Thousand Guineas Prelude<\/a> where she was a narrow third in behind Ole Dancer, the subsequent winner of last week\u2019s Group 1.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Last Saturday saw her settle midfield in her first look at the mile, and she certainly lost no admirers shifting to the centre of the track out of the turn to give good chase for fourth. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Drawn another ideal gate with Ben Allen sticking, she\u2019ll carry just 1kg extra for her troubles and take an absolute power of beating here in a much easier race with three runs under her belt. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moonee Valley R4 – 3 Point Motors Fillies Classic (G2)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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1st<\/span><\/div>
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1. Salty Pearl (3)<\/span>
J: Ben Allen<\/span> 57kg<\/span><\/div>
1×334<\/span>T: Ciaron Maher<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.20<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.20<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 20\/07\/2026 05:22:29 PM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: The Valley Race 4<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 5 – Schweppes JRA Cup (2040 METRES)\u00a0<\/div>\n
No. 7 Star Of India<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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STAR OF INDIA (7)<\/strong> is one I\u2019ve always had a bit of time for, even if he finds it tough to win.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chris Waller\u2019s stayer has had his runs spaced over the last couple of months, resuming at Sandown late last month where he was seen running on strongly down the outside for sixth, beaten just over three lengths by Charterhouse.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He gets into the 2025 JRA Cup field<\/a> with a bit of relief at the weights and is much better suited out over 2000m having won twice previously. In a race that inspires little confidence, he\u2019s a good each-way chance. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moonee Valley R5 – Schweppes Jra Cup (G3)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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1st<\/span><\/div>
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7. Star Of India (5)<\/span>
J: Jye McNeil<\/span> 54.5kg<\/span><\/div>
0x806<\/span>T: Chris Waller<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
11.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
2.90<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 19\/07\/2026 10:07:47 PM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: The Valley Race 5<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 6 – Powerflo Solutions Tesio Stakes (2040 METRES)\u00a0<\/div>\n
No. 8 She\u2019s A Hustler\u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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SHE\u2019S A HUSTLER (8)<\/strong> is potentially one of the better bets on the program.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Graheme Begg\u2019s mare was given a 10\/10 steer by Jordy Childs on return at Flemington in a mares BM78 race last month, settling just off the speed before powering home to go a length clear with 60.5kg on her back.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She gets big relief in the saddle here with Childs sticking and is likely to be up on the speed early if the pair can offset the wide gate. Proven second-up, she\u2019s the one to beat with a trial win between starts to keep her sharp.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moonee Valley R6 – Powerflo Solutions Tesio Stakes (G3)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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1st<\/span><\/div>
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8. She’s A Hustler (9)<\/span>
J: Jordan Childs<\/span> 54kg<\/span><\/div>
112×1<\/span>T: Grahame Begg<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.90<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.60<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 20\/07\/2026 05:22:30 PM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: The Valley Race 6<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 7 – Alinta Energy Crystal Mile (1600 METRES)\u00a0<\/div>\n
No. 3 Desert Lightning<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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DESERT LIGHTNING (6)<\/strong> appeals in a typically open edition of the Crystal Mile. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This six-year-old by Pride Of Dubai has spent time competing against tougher company, highlighted by a midfield finish in the Underwood Stakes<\/a> two back where he loomed large at the top of the straight to find the front, only weakening late once the class of the better horses (Sir Delius and Buckaroo) took over.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Luck wasn\u2019t on his side last start in the Toorak<\/a> where he was three-wide the trip, making this a more suitable assignment back in class with some really good form to his name at The Valley. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Down 1kg and rock-hard fit, he\u2019s a better chance than the market suggests.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moonee Valley R7 – Alinta Energy Crystal Mile (G2)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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5th<\/span><\/div>
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3. Desert Lightning (6)<\/span>
J: Luke Nolen<\/span> 58kg<\/span><\/div>
x2159<\/span>T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
6.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.95<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 20\/07\/2026 02:23:54 PM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: The Valley Race 7<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 8 – Cirka McEwen Stakes (1200 METRES)\u00a0<\/div>\n
No. 3 Tropicus\u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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TROPICUS (3)<\/strong> gets another chance having come off second-best to Giga Kick two weeks ago in the Schillaci Stakes<\/a> at Caulfield.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Too Darn Hot entire hasn\u2019t run a poor race during his 10-start career and is worth sticking with considering he was six weeks between runs last time out.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We saw him come out and beat the likes of Arkansaw Kid the run prior in a G3 and from the wide gate, this sets up nicely for him to try his luck on the speed. Any extra chance of rain is also a bonus ahead of the McEwen Stakes<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moonee Valley R8 – Cirka Mcewen Stakes (G2)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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<\/td>3. Tropicus (8)<\/span> Scratched: <\/span><\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 20\/07\/2026 09:13:13 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: The Valley Race 8<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 9 – Drummond Golf Vase (2040 METRES)\u00a0<\/div>\n
No. 3 Options\u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Hard to split a few of these but leaning the way of OPTIONS (3)<\/strong> in spite of the wide gate.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The McEvoy-trained colt put the writing on the wall when he resumed at Bendigo in early September to remain unbeaten, finding the centre of the straight to punch over three lengths clear in an impressive display.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By Impending, he had his chance at a hat-trick denied at Flemington where he ran into some traffic over 1800m but quickly bounced back in the Super Impose three weeks ago off a wide run to win by more than a length.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We know he might have the Derby in his sights in a week\u2019s time and coming in off two solidly run races over 1800m, the step up to 2000m looks perfect now if things go his way.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moonee Valley R9 – Drummond Golf Vase (G2)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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5th<\/span><\/div>
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3. Options (8)<\/span>
J: Harry Coffey<\/span> 57kg<\/span><\/div>
1131<\/span>T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4.20<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.45<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 20\/07\/2026 06:44:46 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: The Valley Race 9<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 10 – Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040 METRES)\u00a0<\/div>\n
No. 6 Via Sistina \u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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VIA SISTINA (6)<\/strong> for me.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The questions asked of her late have been warranted, but you can\u2019t deny Chris Waller\u2019s record in this race, or his ability to get his horses up and ready to run a huge race in their grand final.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While a touch disappointing, the tempo was against her in both the Makybe Diva<\/a> and Turnbull<\/a>, but we know they\u2019ll run much quicker on Saturday. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s no shock to hear Waller say she\u2019s going as well as she was this time last year but having watched J-Mac try and restrain her during Tuesday\u2019s track work, she looks revved up and ready to defend her crown.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moonee Valley R10 – Ladbrokes Cox Plate (G1)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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1st<\/span><\/div>
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6. Via Sistina (5)<\/span>
J: James McDonald<\/span> 57kg<\/span><\/div>
1×133<\/span>T: Chris Waller<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.25<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.20<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 20\/07\/2026 08:44:32 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: The Valley Race 10<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A special Saturday of racing awaits as the famed Moonee Valley Racecourse prepares to host the time-honoured Cox Plate for one last time. Closing for renovaitons, 10 races have been set on Day 2 of the Cox Plate Carnival, with the $6 million Group 1 feature scheduled as the very last race on the day. Nine of the 10 races are of black-type, including the Group 2 Crystal Mile and the Moonee Valley Vase, both worth $400,000. It’s one of the best days on the spring calendar, and we’ve scanned the entire program to try and find some winners in…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":78818,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[861],"hub_post_cat":[],"class_list":["post-78817","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-horse-racing","tag-racing-tips"],"acf":{"md_tip_date":"","md_tip_date_end":"","md_market_url":"","tip_date":"24\/10\/2025","event_country":"Australia","race_card_tips":[{"author_id":"17","race_id":"e01f0b19-73d8-4aef-aac8-298e3bf2539f","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"05d4bdbe-7975-4753-a028-f7a33c51fb0d"}],"summary":"TONKIN (9) looks the one to beat to start the day. This talented Blue Point mare has won four of the six races she\u2019s contested so far, adding to her record stylishly at Sandown to kick off her prep in late August when she made every post a winner to go a length clear. Team Freedman sent her to Flemington three weeks later where she was a good thing beaten, given a slightly quieter ride under Ben Melham where the pair were held up briefly searching for a run along the rail. They eventually ran on well for second with Persian Spirit just finishing one better. She\u2019s been given a jump out between runs and plummets in weight now back to 53kg. If she settles forward like we expect from a softer gate this time, she looks very hard to beat."}]},{"author_id":"17","race_id":"003a9499-eafc-48de-9d34-ee8918e45c30","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"b632ca3e-e0ee-4dcf-aa20-c2a1e7342436"}],"summary":"LIVE (9) is capable of getting into the money here under Ben Melham.\u00a0 The pair combined to win on debut at Geelong to start the month, driving hard down the outside over a touch shorter to hit the line hard in a head bob finish.\u00a0 The filly by Zoustar was taken off her stride a little when the horse to her inside was forced to shift out around the 200m mark, so it\u2019s fair to say she could have won by more.\u00a0 It was a slowly run race and this is much tougher up to Group 3 level, but if she produces that same turn of foot again from the inside barrier this time, she\u2019s capable of threatening.\u00a0\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"17","race_id":"6144d02b-d9d5-422e-91d1-8e9ead63e9a2","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"c49c534c-c9da-4b3f-a46c-98f86446e129"}],"summary":"\u00a0TEINE AULELEI (7) could be the one over the odds in this race.\u00a0 The chestnut filly by Tagaloa is yet to run a poor race during her short career, winning on debut on a wet day at Bendigo back in June, before heading to Caulfield where she went within 1.5 lengths of Signature Scent, a filly who has been competitive in two recent runs at Group 3 and Stakes level. \u00a0 She resumed at Bendigo three weeks ago for third, quickening strongly along the rail where she rattled off the second-fastest final 200m sectional of the meeting.\u00a0 Likely to improve sharply off that first-up run over 1100m, I think she can surprise if she finds cover early and settles back off the speed.\u00a0\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"17","race_id":"91cbc68d-9c18-4027-aeae-2251faaea6f7","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"b12087fd-b39e-45b4-8fa6-c0096e85bcc4"}],"summary":"SALTY PEARL\u2019S (1) recent form is very tough to knock heading into this year's Group 2 Moonee Valley Fillies Classic.\u00a0 Ciaron Maher\u2019s three-year-old was third here at The Valley fresh in the Atlantic Jewel to kick off her spring, then heading to the Thousand Guineas Prelude where she was a narrow third in behind Ole Dancer, the subsequent winner of last week\u2019s Group 1.\u00a0 Last Saturday saw her settle midfield in her first look at the mile, and she certainly lost no admirers shifting to the centre of the track out of the turn to give good chase for fourth. \u00a0 Drawn another ideal gate with Ben Allen sticking, she\u2019ll carry just 1kg extra for her troubles and take an absolute power of beating here in a much easier race with three runs under her belt. \u00a0\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"17","race_id":"17adf53f-b6f4-40e5-a96b-c1b3ebead18d","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"09aac424-4117-4b47-8e9d-eb95f70e515b"}],"summary":"STAR OF INDIA (7) is one I\u2019ve always had a bit of time for, even if he finds it tough to win.\u00a0 Chris Waller\u2019s stayer has had his runs spaced over the last couple of months, resuming at Sandown late last month where he was seen running on strongly down the outside for sixth, beaten just over three lengths by Charterhouse.\u00a0 He gets into the 2025 JRA Cup field with a bit of relief at the weights and is much better suited out over 2000m having won twice previously. In a race that inspires little confidence, he\u2019s a good each-way chance. \u00a0\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"17","race_id":"87e0fef1-37ed-4cea-a81e-55cf8a696ce6","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"22884630-0c0c-4880-a33e-295bb6a25bd1"}],"summary":"SHE\u2019S A HUSTLER (8) is potentially one of the better bets on the program.\u00a0 Graheme Begg\u2019s mare was given a 10\/10 steer by Jordy Childs on return at Flemington in a mares BM78 race last month, settling just off the speed before powering home to go a length clear with 60.5kg on her back.\u00a0 She gets big relief in the saddle here with Childs sticking and is likely to be up on the speed early if the pair can offset the wide gate. Proven second-up, she\u2019s the one to beat with a trial win between starts to keep her sharp.\u00a0\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"17","race_id":"b9c4185d-df64-4024-977e-185f0ddca61a","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"a7ee7ead-9c48-46f8-aa7b-006982a9e290"}],"summary":"DESERT LIGHTNING (6) appeals in a typically open edition of the Crystal Mile. \u00a0 This six-year-old by Pride Of Dubai has spent time competing against tougher company, highlighted by a midfield finish in the Underwood Stakes two back where he loomed large at the top of the straight to find the front, only weakening late once the class of the better horses (Sir Delius and Buckaroo) took over.\u00a0 Luck wasn\u2019t on his side last start in the Toorak where he was three-wide the trip, making this a more suitable assignment back in class with some really good form to his name at The Valley. \u00a0 Down 1kg and rock-hard fit, he\u2019s a better chance than the market suggests.\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"17","race_id":"b3d83765-17fa-4999-aa40-401e2b1297c8","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"507436bb-4b1b-4e1b-a399-49550914e9ec"}],"summary":"TROPICUS (3) gets another chance having come off second-best to Giga Kick two weeks ago in the Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield.\u00a0 The Too Darn Hot entire hasn\u2019t run a poor race during his 10-start career and is worth sticking with considering he was six weeks between runs last time out.\u00a0 We saw him come out and beat the likes of Arkansaw Kid the run prior in a G3 and from the wide gate, this sets up nicely for him to try his luck on the speed. Any extra chance of rain is also a bonus ahead of the McEwen Stakes.\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"17","race_id":"c1fe80ee-952c-494c-bd24-ac47776fbcf7","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"65738172-c811-48cb-8f36-0aca2ce31e6f"}],"summary":"Hard to split a few of these but leaning the way of OPTIONS (3) in spite of the wide gate.\u00a0 The McEvoy-trained colt put the writing on the wall when he resumed at Bendigo in early September to remain unbeaten, finding the centre of the straight to punch over three lengths clear in an impressive display.\u00a0 By Impending, he had his chance at a hat-trick denied at Flemington where he ran into some traffic over 1800m but quickly bounced back in the Super Impose three weeks ago off a wide run to win by more than a length.\u00a0 We know he might have the Derby in his sights in a week\u2019s time and coming in off two solidly run races over 1800m, the step up to 2000m looks perfect now if things go his way.\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"17","race_id":"99641eaa-5b2a-40c4-9428-3e5a9a14980f","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"74ad01bc-4d6e-4b06-b717-4c52a6ad5be4"}],"summary":"VIA SISTINA (6) for me.\u00a0 The questions asked of her late have been warranted, but you can\u2019t deny Chris Waller\u2019s record in this race, or his ability to get his horses up and ready to run a huge race in their grand final.\u00a0 While a touch disappointing, the tempo was against her in both the Makybe Diva and Turnbull, but we know they\u2019ll run much quicker on Saturday. \u00a0 It\u2019s no shock to hear Waller say she\u2019s going as well as she was this time last year but having watched J-Mac try and restrain her during Tuesday\u2019s track work, she looks revved up and ready to defend her crown.\u00a0"}]}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78817","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78817"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78817\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/78818"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78817"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78817"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=78817"},{"taxonomy":"hub_post_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hub_post_cat?post=78817"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}