EXPERT RACING TIPS: MOONEE VALLEY
Best Bets
Jackson Oldham
LAY: 5. Red Hot Nicc (WIN) for 2 units (Rated at $7.50)
Not much between these, going with Angel Capital who has a great first-up ratings profile, yes a different kettle of fish now with the new camp but he has trialled up great.
I am loathed to lay a leader at Moonee Valley but Red Hot Nicc surely won’t get the same favours that he has at his last two, leading by an obnoxiously large margin prior to straightening despite actually not going that fast early.
lay
Jackson Oldham
BACK: 4. Desert Lightning (WIN) for 2 units (Rated at $2.25)
Desert Lightning was really good first-up behind Private Eye and maps for a great run on-speed, while some of the other key rivals are likely to go back. Speaking of, I was convinced Moira would restrain from that gate but the heavy market support on racemorning makes me think the camp may have different ideas.
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MOONEE VALLEY PREVIEW AND TIPS | EXPERT TIPS | SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH 2025
RAIL: True TRACK: Soft 5
Expect on-speed to be an advantage.
Best Bets
Jackson Oldham
LAY: 5. Red Hot Nicc (WIN) for 2 units (Rated at $7.50)
Not much between these, going with Angel Capital who has a great first-up ratings profile, yes a different kettle of fish now with the new camp but he has trialled up great.
I am loathed to lay a leader at Moonee Valley but Red Hot Nicc surely won’t get the same favours that he has at his last two, leading by an obnoxiously large margin prior to straightening despite actually not going that fast early.
lay
Jackson Oldham
BACK: 4. Desert Lightning (WIN) for 2 units (Rated at $2.25)
Desert Lightning was really good first-up behind Private Eye and maps for a great run on-speed, while some of the other key rivals are likely to go back. Speaking of, I was convinced Moira would restrain from that gate but the heavy market support on racemorning makes me think the camp may have different ideas.
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4. Graphic Sight
2. Godtfred Kirk
5. Ornos
6. Miewa
Betting Strategy
A very tricky opener, going with the different form in Graphic Sight, ran behind a couple who both ran well in the Up and Coming last Saturday in Sydney, blinkers on suits and so does rising in trip.
9. Stupendous
11. Yachiyo
5. Moonlight Circus
6. Savilla
Betting Strategy
Another tough race, Stupendous was a step slow out of the gates at Sandown and that probably cost her winning the race, she is flying and can find a forward spot. Yachiyo was very well supported late on Betfair first-up and ran well, another who should settle closer.
3. Reset The Jazz
4. The Creator
1. Kings Valley
8. Farhh Flung
Betting Strategy
Reset The Jazz was forced to work in the slower ground last start when first and second were both rails in run, he now gets that rails in run position from a low draw.
3. Miss Tarzy
8. Fame
2. Lincoln Rocks
10. Navy King
Betting Strategy
Fame is airborne, hasn’t won for a months of Sunday’s but won’t find a better spot than this to do so, Miss Tarzy had excuses in much stronger grade last start and Lincoln Rocks was terrific first-up.
3. Angel Capital
2. Zou Sensation
4. Miraval Rose
5. Red Hot Nicc
Betting Strategy
LAY: 5. Red Hot Nicc (WIN) for 2 units (Rated at $7.50)
Not much between these, going with Angel Capital who has a great first-up ratings profile, yes a different kettle of fish now with the new camp but he has trialled up great.
I am loathed to lay a leader at Moonee Valley but Red Hot Nicc surely won’t get the same favours that he has at his last two, leading by an obnoxiously large margin prior to straightening despite actually not going that fast early.
9. Rosberg
6. Planet Red
1. Space Rider
5. Estermo
Betting Strategy
Rosberg has trialled up like a proper horse, it’s a big ask to win this race as a debutant but he has to go on top in a race that lacks a really star, although I concede there are a few likely types.
1. The Playwright
5. Ole Dancer
8. Alpha Sofie
4. Zany Girl
Betting Strategy
The Playwright was terrific leading first-up in a swoopers race, gets blinkers back on and Jett Stanley, who is a sensational rider of leaders. No knocks Ole Dancer, who is the best horse in the race but will just need some luck and favours from the gate.
4. Desert Lightning
6. Moira
13. Zardozi
12. Rumbled Again
Betting Strategy
BACK: 4. Desert Lightning (WIN) for 2 units (Rated at $2.25)
Desert Lightning was really good first-up behind Private Eye and maps for a great run on-speed, while some of the other key rivals are likely to go back. Speaking of, I was convinced Moira would restrain from that gate but the heavy market support on racemorning makes me think the camp may have different ideas.
10. Arabian Summer
9. Oak Hill
12. Alabama Lass
7. Baraqiel
Betting Strategy
An impossible G1, and the speed map looks complete and utter chaos. Esha could blow up, Niance and Baraqiel might not get on the track, Alabama Lass is the one who probably gets a bomproof map but looks short enough. If I had to play I’d have throws at the stumps at both Oak Hill and Arabian Summer.
10. Princess Que
3. King Zephyr
1. La Fracas
5. Fission
Betting Strategy
Princess Que has a fitness, map and weight advantage on her two key rivals in betting and it is no surprise to see some early market support.
THE VALLEY RACECOURSE | BETTING TIPS
SUMMARY
Known simply as The Valley, Moonee Valley Racing Club is the home of the Cox Plate, billed as Australasia’s weight-for-age championship. The $5 million race, which celebrated its centenary edition in 2020, became synonymous with Winx after Chris Waller’s mighty mare won it four years running. The Valley is also synonymous with night racing, having been the first club in Victoria to race under lights. Both the Group 1 Manikato Stakes and the Group 1 William Reid Stakes are run under lights. Whether it’s a day or a night meeting, our team of tipsters is adept at identifying the best Moonee Valley bets. Â
FAST FACTS
- The $200m redevelopment of The Valley is due for completion in 2026, with the racecourse due to close after the 2024 Cox Plate to facilitate construction of the new grandstand. The club’s aim is to convert the precinct into the world’s leading night racing destination.
KEY EVENTS
The W.S. Cox Plate, which was first run in 1922 with a prize purse of just $1,000, is The Valley’s showpiece occasion. Currently worth $5 million and with several champion racehorses adorning its illustrious honour roll, the Cox Plate is widely considered to be Australian racing’s truest weight-for-age test. Mighty mare Winx dominated the Cox Plate between 2015 and 2018, surpassing the feats of Kingston Town to become the first horse in history to win the race on four occasions. Winx won the 2018 Cox Plate at odds of $1.24 and was even shorter in 2017, jumping the $1.18 favourite, but Betfair’s Moonee Valley tips tend to offer punters more value! Check out Betfair’s tips on the Cox Plate here.   Â
TRACK PROFILE
Known for its tight turns, The Valley is very much a ‘horses for courses’ type of track. The home straight of just 173 metres is the shortest straight in Australia, meaning it pays to be up on the speed (particularly in sprint races) as backmarkers rarely make up much ground. With a similar track profile to The Valley, horses trained at Mornington have a better-than-average strike rate here. Â
When the rail is moved out 5m (or more), the track often favours horses drawn inside as they can dictate the pace of the race and make a winning break coming round the final turn. The Valley’s drainage system is excellent, with the track rarely rated in the Heavy range. Betfair’s experts take all the track variables into account when bringing you their Moonee Valley tips.  Â
HISTORY
Moonee Valley Racecourse was established in 1883 by William Samuel (W.S.) Cox, in whose honour the Cox Plate is named. In 1882, Cox purchased a farm belonging to John F. Feehan – in whose honour the Feehan Stakes is named – for the sole purpose of establishing a racetrack. With the club entirely owning the freehold land on which the racecourse sits, Moonee Valley is distinguished from other Melbourne metropolitan racecourses such as Caulfield and Flemington. Â
Check out Betfair’s best bets for Moonee Valley today.
