Track: Good Weather: Fine

A field of thirteen remains after the early scratching of Paulele for the $1,000,000 Group 1 William Reid Stakes.  The key form references are the Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket Handicap.  Babylon Berlin & A Case Of You are having their first starts on Australian soil which adds further interest to the race.  The Kiwi Imperatriz is a drifting favourite, whilst In The Congo has been met with strong early market support.

1. Masked Crusader

Won this race two years ago at his only previous Moonee Valley start.  Concede he has been in the wilderness of late but nothing made up ground out wide in the Oakleigh Plate and his jump out in between runs was good.  If he can settle midfield from the better draw and the gaps come at the right time he’s a knock out chance.

2. Paulele  – SCRATCHED

The Group 1 Winterbottom winner was well supported in the Challenge Stakes first up.  Did not think he was particularly well ridden there but I would of loved to have seen him do a bit more through the line.  The barrier makes it tough.

3. King Of Sparta

Ran the fastest last 600, 400 and 200m splits in the Oakleigh Plate.  Has a chance if they are making ground.

4. A Case Of You

Ex French galloper first up for Price and Kent Jnr.  Won the Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai last March and has looked solid at the Cranbourne jump outs.  Market your best guide with him.

5. In The Congo

Resumes.  Has been met with really strong support in early final field betting.  Was only just nutted in the Hunter by the talented Vilana in November and should find the front from the inside draw with the best front running jockey in the land.

6. Front Page

Thought he stuck on pretty bravely first up in a brutal Newmarket.  More weight to carry here but will be fitter for that and should be able to settle handy.  Rough chance.

7. Jigsaw

Has won his last four including the Group 2 Australia Stakes at his last start here in late Jan.

8. Bella Nipotina

Bolted in by 4.75 lengths in the Group 1 Manikato here in October.  Closed off well in the Lightning first up for third, then was safely held in the Newmarket.  Looks a big price if you find a way to forgive the new Newmarket run.

9. Roch N’ Horse

Multiple Group 1 winner.  She went better than the form guide suggests up but was another who was disappointing last start Newmarket.  Similarly to Bella Nipotina if you can forgive last start then she looks a big price.

10. September Run

Won this race last year.  Brings very similar form into Bella Nipotina – good first up, and poor last start.  I like the booking of Nash and the gate.

11. Imperatriz

Kiwi superstar who has 9 Group/Listed wins to her name.  She looked all over the winner in the Canterbury Stakes before getting run down late.  Back to 1200m with a bunny to follow should suit.  Top hope.

12. Chain Of Lightning

Maps for a soft run in behind a generous tempo.  Not out of it.

13. Babylon Berlin

Kiwi galloper who gets the services of B Shinn.  Was second to Imperatriz two back at 1400, then bolted in against easier company last start back to 1200.  He will be right there on the speed and can run really well in this.

14. Benedetta

Ultra progressive three year old filly.  Blew them away in the Inglis Spring at Flemington last start, winning by 3 lengths in fast time.  My concern with her is she is sixth up first prep and gets onto a small track for the first time since breaking her maiden.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
11 Imperatriz	11 Imperatriz
13 Babylon Berlin	7 Jigsaw
8 Bella Nipotina	5 In The Congo
9 Roch ‘N’ Horse	8 Bella Nipotina