The spring spotlight shifts to Moonee Valley this weekend for one of Australian racing’s greatest days — Cox Plate Day. A world-class lineup is set to converge for the weight-for-age championship, Superstars like Treasurethe Moment, Via Sistina, Shangri La Boy, and Miss Roumbini headline a blockbuster Moonee Valley and Randwick double, as Group 1 racing hits full throttle on both sides of the border.
After tipping 7 winners from 13 race previews last week — including a perfect 3-from-3 clean sweep at Caulfield — the Colossal Blog team is back with a full card of previews, best bets, and value plays across The Valley and Randwick.
🏇 Moonee Valley Race 1 — Strathmore Community Bendigo Bank Imperatriz Sprint (1000m)
📝 Race Overview:
We kick off the Valley card with a blistering 1000m dash featuring several speedsters who love to roll forward. Expect a genuine tempo with Tonkin, Beast Mode and Don’t Hope Do all pushing for early control. Track pattern and rail position could prove vital in determining who holds on late..
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
TONKIN (Odds: $2.40)
⚡ “Led from start to finish first-up and then fought on bravely after sitting close to a fierce tempo at Caulfield. Proven around The Valley and drawn to dictate again — she looks ready to add another city win to her tally.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
BEAST MODE (Odds: $4.00)
💥 “Blew them away over this track and trip last start, leading throughout in dominant fashion. Stays down in weight, loves The Valley, and maps for a similar run. A repeat of that performance puts him right in the finish.”
🏇 Moonee Valley Race 2 — HKJC World Pool Red Anchor Stakes (1200m)
📝 Race Overview:
An exciting sprint for the 3YOs where progressive types clash early in their campaigns. Expect solid pressure from the inside, with Snow Mercy and Palm Angel pushing forward while Prince Tycoon and Virtual Illusion look to stalk. Several of these are unbeaten or near it — a true test of which youngster can take the next step in class.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
PRINCE TYCOON (Odds: $3.50)
⚡ “Impressive debut winner at Caulfield before tackling a $1M feature in Queensland where he held his ground despite a wide run. Returns off a strong Cranbourne jumpout and looks perfectly placed back around a bend to resume on a winning note.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
SNOW MERCY (Odds: $5.50)
💥 “A tough on-pacer who thrives at The Valley — controlled the race perfectly to score here last start. Draws well again, stays at her pet trip, and looks the one they’ll have to run down late if she repeats that effort.”
🏇 Moonee Valley Race 3 — Symal Crockett Stakes (1200m)
📝 Race Overview:
A quality sprint for the fillies where several unbeaten and lightly raced types line up. Expect PROFICIENT and SHOCAP to roll forward, while the likes of TRES MAGNIFIQUE and EXCENIA look to finish off strongly. The Valley’s short straight means timing the run will be crucial — any hesitation could be costly.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
TRES MAGNIFIQUE (Odds: $5.00)
⚡ “Luckless last start when held up for most of the straight yet still charged through late to grab fifth. Her debut win rated well and she’s drawn to get a soft run midfield — if she sees daylight at the right time, she can absolutely threaten at each-way odds.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
PROFICIENT (Odds: $7.00)
💥 “Smart debut winner at Sandown Hillside, showing both tactical speed and grit when challenged late. Drawn to sit just behind the pace and looks to have the natural improvement to remain unbeaten. The one they all need to beat.”
🏇 Moonee Valley Race 4 — 3 Point Motors Fillies Classic (1600m)
📝 Race Overview:
A wide-open contest for the progressive fillies, with several emerging from maiden company into stakes grade. The mile will test stamina and positioning, with a genuine tempo expected as SUNLIT SERENADE and STUNG roll forward while SALTY PEARL looks to blend in midfield before launching late.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
SALTY PEARL (Odds: $2.50)
⚡ “Ran the fastest late sectionals in last week’s Thousand Guineas and backs up quickly here in ideal company. Versatile, honest, and thriving deep into the prep — she’s the one who can round them up late if the leaders overdo it.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
ENVIABLE (Odds: $4.00)
💥 “Has been crying out for luck this prep — badly held up in both the Tea Rose and the Flight Stakes but closed powerfully once clear. Brings strong Sydney form and should relish the spacious Valley run if she can slot in from the wide draw.”
🏇 Moonee Valley Race 5 — Schweppes JRA Cup (2040m)(1600m)
📝 Race Overview:
A typically competitive edition of the JRA Cup, where seasoned stayers and spring hopefuls collide over the Cox Plate journey. Expect FUTURE HISTORY to roll forward from the inside draw with CASINO SEVENTEEN and STAR OF INDIA close behind. A few key runners — notably MIDDLE EARTH and POINT KING — arrive with genuine upside, making this a compelling contest for punters and form students alike.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
MIDDLE EARTH (Odds: $4.60)
⚡ “Forget his Caulfield Cup run — he never travelled on the tight circuit. Prior form reads strongly and the blinkers going on is a major positive signal. If he’s ridden quietly and saved for one run, he can easily bounce back and blow this open late.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
STAR OF INDIA (Odds: $11.00)
💥 “Building nicely into his prep after two luckless runs when held up at key stages. His latest effort behind a fast tempo showed he’s returned to form, and the step up to 2040m looks perfect. Proven at The Valley and ready to peak fourth-up.”
🏇 Moonee Valley Race 6 — Powerflo Solutions Tesio Stakes (2040m)
📝 Race Overview:
A strong mares’ Group 3 over the Cox Plate trip, where Sydney and Melbourne form lines collide. SHE’S UNUSUAL brings the class and tempo from Rosehill, while SHE’S A HUSTLER and JENNILALA look to keep her honest. Expect genuine speed from SEA WHAT I SEE and TERRESTAR, with a tactical finish likely on the small field.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
SHE’S A HUSTLER (Odds: $2.80)
⚡ “Classy mare resuming with a strong Flemington win and looks set to progress again. She’s unbeaten second-up, handles all conditions, and will get every chance from her ideal midfield draw. Expect her to be charging late again.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
SHE’S UNUSUAL (Odds: $5.00)
💥 “Dominant last start in a fast-run Rosehill race and drops back to her own sex here on just 54kg. In career-best form and maps perfectly from the soft draw to stalk the speed before pouncing late — hard to knock on current form.”
🏇 Moonee Valley Race 7 — Alinta Energy Crystal Mile (1600m)
📝 Race Overview:
A tactical Group 2 mile that often produces Cox Plate day drama — and this year’s renewal looks no different. Expect EL ROCKO and GOLDEN PATH to roll forward, while OH TOO GOOD and RISE AT DAWN stalk the leaders before the swoopers launch late. Several classy types are peaking at the right time, and race tempo will be crucial on the small Valley circuit.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
OH TOO GOOD (Odds: $4.60)
⚡ “Flying this prep and was dominant last start against her own sex. Maps to get the gun trailing run behind the speed and carries only 54kg. If she sees daylight on the turn, she’s a huge chance to cause a minor upset at value odds.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
VON HAUKE (Odds: $9.00)
💥 “Luckless in the Sandown Stakes when producing a lightning-fast 44.01s final 800m, and again charged late for third last start. Brings the right form, loves this trip, and looks primed to go one better here with even luck in running.”
🏇 Moonee Valley Race 8 — Cirka McEwen Stakes (1200m)
📝 Race Overview:
A high-quality sprint to close out the Valley’s feature program, mixing proven Group 1 performers with progressive types on the rise. Expect TROPICUS and JIGSAW to ensure a fast tempo, with NIANCE and CHARM STONE stalking in behind. With several runners fresh or second-up, race fitness and track position will be key.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
CHARM STONE (Odds: $2.40)
⚡ “Returned in outstanding order winning the Manikato first-up, showing her trademark turn of foot off a slow tempo. She’s a genuine Group 1 filly who excels around tight circuits, and if she can slot in early from the wide gate, she’ll be incredibly hard to stop.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
NIANCE (Odds: $6.00)
💥 “Had excuses in both the Moir and Schillaci when unable to find clear air at key stages. Proven second-up, she maps for a much handier run this time and loves The Valley. Expect her to hit the line hard with clear running late”
🏇 Moonee Valley Race 9 — Drummond Golf Vase (2040m)
📝 Race Overview:
A key lead-up for the Victoria Derby, featuring a mix of emerging middle-distance 3YOs — some proven, others still learning their craft. The tempo looks modest, with Providence or Options likely to take it up early. Expect positioning and timing to play a huge role around The Valley’s tight circuit.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
OBSERVER (Odds: $2.00)
⚡ “Luckless when storming home for third in the Caulfield Guineas, and that form looks elite for this grade. Draws ideally to settle closer in running, and stepping up to 2000m is exactly what he’s been crying out for. The one they’ll all have to hold out late.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
O’SHEAMUS (Odds: $12.00)
💥 “Loved his strong finishing win at Warwick Farm last start, showing real determination to score off a slow tempo. Progressive type who will relish the rise to 2040m, and John O’Shea has an excellent record in this race — genuine knockout chance at a price.”
🏇 Moonee Valley Race 10 — Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m)
📝 Race Overview:
The weight-for-age championship of Australasia — and this year’s Cox Plate is shaping as a genuine classic. Multiple Group 1 winners collide in a truly world-class renewal featuring Treasurethe Moment, Via Sistina, and Aeliana. With several proven 2000m performers and a few tactical speed influences, tempo and track position could decide it. Expect the pressure to build from the 800m as the international stars make their moves.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
VIA SISTINA (Odds: $2.30)
⚡ “Luckless when storming home for third in the Caulfield Guineas, and that form looks elite for this grade. Draws ideally to settle closer in running, and stepping up to 2000m is exactly what he’s been crying out for. The one they’ll all have to hold out late.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
AELIANA (Odds: $8.00)
💥 “Ran stride-for-stride with Via Sistina in both the Winx and Turnbull and continues to thrive deeper into the prep. She’s versatile, tough, and peaking at the right time. If the breaks fall her way, she can absolutely turn the tables at each-way odds.”
🏇 Randwick Race 7 — Catanach’s Jewellers Callander-Presnell (1600m)
📝 Race Overview:
A high-quality 3YO mile feature where several emerging talents step up from strong Sydney and Melbourne form lines. The tempo looks genuine, with Rivellino likely to make use of the inside draw while Ohope and Polish Playgirl press forward. Expect a tactical affair where race position will prove critical.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
RIVELLINO (Odds: $2.20)
⚡ “Forgive run in the Caulfield Guineas when tightened for room on the turn — that effort was much better than it looked. Draws the rail, gets Rawiller aboard, and back to Randwick over a mile is ideal. Genuine talent ready to bounce back hard.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
OHOPE (Odds: $5.00)
💥 “Ultra-consistent this campaign with two strong wins and a narrow second last start when hitting the line full of purpose. Maps for a perfect trail behind the speed and looks capable of testing the favourite late at a nice each-way quote.”
🏇 Randwick Race 8 — Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes (2000m)
📝 Race Overview:
A star-studded edition of the Spring Champion Stakes, where the best middle-distance 3YOs clash for Group 1 honours. Expect a genuine tempo with Shangri La Boy rolling forward, while Attica and Champagne Hero stalk close behind. Proven stayers with tactical versatility will hold the advantage on a drying Randwick surface.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
SHANGRI LA BOY (Odds: $3.60)
⚡ “Dominant in his last two Rosehill wins, showcasing a powerful blend of stamina and acceleration. He maps beautifully again here and looks ready to stamp himself as the leading 3YO stayer of the spring. Hard to knock the form or the setup.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
CHAMPAGNE HERO (Odds: $16.00)
💥 “Paid the price for being buried last start but still found the line strongly behind the stablemate. From a better draw, he can settle closer in the run and has the closing power to turn the tables if tempo allows. Genuine winning chance at value.”
🏇 Randwick Race 9 — The Invitation (1400m)
📝 Race Overview:
A stellar lineup of mares assemble for the $2 million Invitation, and there’s very little separating the main hopes. Expect Miss Roumbini to push forward with Manaal and Stefi Magnetica close in pursuit, while several classy closers will be charging late. The race shapes as a genuine test of tactical speed and timing.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
MISS ROUMBINI (Odds: $4.20)
⚡ “Ultra-consistent mare who just missed in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes after chasing hard all the way. Third-up record is excellent, and she maps to find a perfect on-speed position. Proven at this level and ready to convert another big run into victory.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
STEFI MAGNETICA (Odds: $7.00)
💥 “Forget her last prep — she’s come back flying based on her sharp October trial behind Beiwacht. Has a potent turn of foot when ridden patiently and looks a major improver peaking third-up. Overs in a race that’s more open than it appears.”
🏇 Randwick Race 10 — Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m)
📝 Race Overview:
A quality field lines up in this $1 million prelude, with several genuine Five Diamonds contenders looking to tune up ahead of the main event in two weeks. Expect Transatlantic to control the tempo from up front, with General Salute and Rise at Dawn poised to strike late. The map suggests a fair tempo that should give all runners their chance..
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
TRANSATLANTIC (Odds: $2.10)
⚡ “Game on-pacer who fought bravely to win the Toorak last start. Makes his Sydney debut but maps perfectly to roll forward again and control the race. If he handles the right-handed turn, he’ll be incredibly hard to run down late”
💎 Best Value Bet:
GENERAL SALUTE (Odds: $8.00)
💥 “Has been building beautifully this prep with four straight placings at metro level. His closing sectionals last start were top class, and the rise to 1500m looks ideal. With a strong tempo and clear air late, he’s ready to notch a well-deserved win.”
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