Upgraded to Group I status in 2013, the $1million Group I MVRC AJ Moir stakes (1000m) will be run at Moonee Valley on Friday night attracting an evenly matched field of 12 sprinters with all of them bar Rothfire and September Run seeking to win their first Group I.
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Rothfire was a Group I winner at two before injury derailed his three year-old season and at age five the son of Rothesay looks to be back to his best for trainer Rob Heathcote, who knows exactly how to win this race having won it three times in 2012, 2014 and 2015 with his mighty sprinter Buffering.
Joint favourite Paulele is first up from a spell for Godolphin and the four year New Approach (IRE) stallion has a great fresh record and was consistent last preparation placing consistently in Group I sprints.
Five year-old Choisir stallion Malkovich is an interesting runner and Bjorn Baker has his team firing. He loves 1000m and will appreciated a soft rather than heavy track so with Rachel King to ride from gate three will give you a great sight.
Three year-olds have won this race three times since it went to Group I with Extreme Choice, She Will Reign and Samaready all successful, but Coolangatta on face value is not up to their standard, although Jamie Kah and barrier one are big positives for the daughter of Written Tycoon.
Quality mares Viddora and Pippie have all won this race since it became Group I and Pride of Dubai five year-old mare Bella Nipotina will attempt to follow in their footsteps. One of three in the race for the powerful Maher Eustace stable, she tries super hard every time and won’t die wondering.
September Run won the Group I MVRC William Reid Stakes at the Valley in March - image Grant Courtney
Already a two time Group I winner and a Group I winner at Moonee Valley, Exceed and Excel mare September Run has a class edge on all of these horses if she brings her A game to the table, although she has never won at 1000m.
Last year’s winner Wild Ruler is busy covering his first book of mares at Newgate Farm standing at a fee of $38,500.
