Moonee Valley Gold Cup – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

With the early scratching of Interpretation, 14 runners remain for the 2023 Moonee Valley Gold Cup. There are 11 geldings, one stallion and 2 mares, with three 4YOs, four 5YOs, one 6YO, one 7YO and five 8YOs. Three runners had their last start in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings over 2520m at Flemington on 7th October, two in the Group 1 Might And Power over 2000m at Caulfield on 14th October, two in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes over 2400m at Caulfield on 14th October, two in the ATC St Leger Stakes over 2600m at Randwick on 14th October and two in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes over 2000m at Flemington on 7th October, while the rest came via different races. Trainer Chris Waller has 2 runners.

The early favourite is Lunar Flare who won this race in 2021 and was runner-up last year. She ran 5th in the Turnbull last start and goes well at Moonee Valley. The second favourite is 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare who was 2nd in the Might And Power. Third favouritism is shared between Athabascan who won two 2400m races in Sydney before 8th in the Bart Cummings, Future History who won the Bart Cummings and Cleveland who finished 2nd in the ATC St Leger. All other runners are currently $12 or longer.

1. Knights Order (7)

Has finished well back at both starts this campaign but should improve with fitness and can fire third-up.

2. Alenquer (12)

Finished 5th in the Group 1 Might And Power over 2000m at Caulfield on 14th October after getting much too far back. Unlikely.

3. Vow And Declare (11)

He was the 2019 Melbourne Cup winner and is still running well. He was 2nd in the Might And Power over 2000m at Caulfield on 14th October, and it would be no surprise to see him in the finish.

4. Athabascan (1)

Won the Listed City Tatts Cup over 2400m and the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality over 2400m before 8th in the  Group 3 The Bart Cummings over 2520m at Flemington on 7th October. He’s drawn the inside barrier and can make his presence felt.

5. Fancy Man (15)

Coming off a win in the Listed Queensland Cup over 2400m at Eagle Farm. Place chance.

6. Mount Popa (5)

Goes well at this distance range. Rough claims.

7. Future History (13)

Won the Bart Cummings last start and has been in the quinella at his last 4 starts. Capable of winning this.

8. Regal Power (2)

Drove hard to just miss in the Listed R.M. Ansett Classic over 2400m at Mornington on 30th September carrying 60kg then just battled in the Herbert Power. Not the worst.

9. El Bodegon (6)

One of 2 runners for Chris Waller (the other is Sheraz). Hasn’t shown much in 3 runs this preparation. Prefer others.

10. True Marvel (10)

Has struggled so far this preparation but does have good form at Moonee Valley.

11. Sheraz (4)

Unlikely.

12. Cleveland (9)

Finished 2nd in the ATC St Leger Stakes over 2600m at Randwick on 14th October. Blinkers come off for the first time. Should be in the finish.

13. Interpretation (14)  – SCRATCHED

14. Lunar Flare (3)

She won this race in 2021 and was runner-up last year. She ran 5th in the Turnbull last start and will run well with 54.5kg. One of the chances.

15. So Dazzling (8)

Prefer others.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips	Bryce Parker’s Tips
14 Lunar Flare	14 Lunar Flare
7 Future History	3 Vow And Declare
3 Vow And Declare	7 Future History
12 Cleveland	4 Athabascan

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	12 Cleveland
2nd	3 Vow And Declare	0.75 length
3rd	7 Future History	0.85 length
4th	14 Lunar Flare	1.25 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratching: 13. Interpretation.