William Crockett Stakes – 2020

Track: Soft-Heavy   Weather: Rain

Thirteen fillies will line up in a strong edition of the William Crockett Stakes.   Exciting Sydney filly Written Beauty has been installed as the early favourite.  She has drawn out in barrier thirteen but this is the last race of the Cox Plate Carnival so it might not be such a disadvantage if the inside section of the track is cutting up.  La Mexicana trained by the Freedman’s is two wins from three starts and was an easy winner Cranbourne winner at her latest start – she looks talented.  Minhaaj has been building into this preparation well and gets the blinkers added third up.  Ditto for Maha.

Highly Discreet has good ability but will barrier one be too much to overcome?   Melba Storm and Twain’s Express ran the Quinella at Bendigo and are not without a chance here.  The remaining runners are $20-1 or longer.

1. Minhaaj

A talented filly who has resumed with two very solid third placings at her home track at Flemington.  Looks ready to peak here third up and like her drawn out with the possibility of rain around.  One of the main contenders.

2. Stellar Pauline

Sydney horses have been winning almost everything in Melbourne this spring.  However she would need to improve on her recent form, perhaps a rain affected track could help?

3. Maha

Like this filly.  She pushes forward in her races and makes her own luck.  Comes through a good form race and can run well again.

4. Highly Discreet

Resumed with a lovely run here at Moonee Valley two starts ago hitting the line hard.  Then was okay at Caulfield at her most recent run.  Appears to do her better racing with the cut out of the ground.  The concern here is barrier 1 asthe fence might be inferior ground, after two days of racing on the track.

5. Written Beauty

Written Beauty is coming down from Sydney and looks a very exciting prospect.  She wobbled on the turn at Canterbury but once balanced was drawing away again.  The wide barrier may end up being advantageous if they are getting out towards the middle.  Top pick.

6. Melba Storm

Was able to win a strong midweek race last start. My knock is she lead there on a day where it was a big advantage to be doing so.  Needs to improve to win this.

7. Raison D’etre

Has had a month between runs since finishing midfield in the Group 3 Champagne.  Needs to improve.

8. La Mexicana

La Mexicana walked in at Cranbourne second up – the times are good out of that race.  Similar to Written Beauty, a wide gate may help rather than hinder late in the day and if the rain comes this will only help her.  Has a great chance.

9. Wegobam

Won a weak maiden at Sale.  Would be shocked if she can win this.

10. Twain’s Express

This very lightly raced filly is going places.  She made very strong ground in the inferior section of the track at Bendigo first up.  Is one at odds to play each way / place in multiples.

11. Pretty Rossa

Found group three company too tough at her second start.  Can’t recommend off that.

12. Joey’s Gift

Beaten 7 lengths at her resuming Murtoa run.  No.

13. Quiller’s Relight

Had one start in her first preparation where she was well beaten.  Didn’t see enough in her jump out to suggest she could be competitive with a strong field like this first up.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
5. Written Beauty	5. Written Beauty
8. La Mexicana	10. Twains Express
3. Maha	8. La Mexicana
1. Minhaaj	3. Maha

Group 1 Manikato Stakes 2020 (Moonee Valley 1200m)

Group 1 Cox Plate 2020 (Moonee Valley 2040m)

Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase 2020 (Moonee Valley 2040m)

Group 2 Moonee Valley Fillies Classic 2020 (Moonee Valley 1600m)

Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes 2020 (Moonee Valley 1200m)