Moonee Valley Friday February 23 – Chinese New Year

This night – in its 2^nd year – will be one of the most popular of the season with free entry and a huge focus on the emerging Chinese community in racing and the work they have done via the Australian Chinese Jockey Club to make this more than just another race night. The Typhoon Tracy highlights a well-balanced race card. Rail back true, there are some showers forecast and think being handy to speed and fence no issue.

BEST BET: Race 3 #1 ITZ INVINCIBLE

BEST VALUE: Race 8 #9 POSEIDON’S POOL

Race 1: 4-6-5-3

Even after scratching of pre-post favourite ICONOCLASM we have 5 of the 6 last start winners lining up. LEICESTER was strong through the line at 1400m at Terang after running well 1200m in race where ICE HUNT ran 2^nd who was then good winning near speed at Sandown. Interesting state change for REFLECTIVITY who is another who should ride the speed. KING KABUTO is on the improve though Williams who won at Sale is on Ice Hunt.

SUGGESTED: Even race, LEICESTER just on top.

Race 2: 3-1-5-4

Good race but DEMERARA looks ideally placed resuming this grade, good recent trial Sydney, ran well here (2^nd at $1.90) in Stakes grade in the spring. AVANTI ROSE has been typical Weir – finding winning form in country then well placed to continue it in city both Adelaide and this track last time on speed. HOLY BLADE is on that similar profile and will stalk the speed while FREEZE OVER landed good bets winning here last time.

SUGGESTED: The class of DEMERARA to stand out.

Race 3: 1-2-7-4

Respecting the Morphettville Parks wins of ITZ INVINCIBLE either side of a Flemington Listed placing, has never missed top 3 in 16 starts and task easier with QUILISTA going Saturday. MURT THE FLIRT is back from the Gold Coast and has competed well in better races. INVINCIBLE AL resumes here as it did last campaign with a 955m win. Has had a couple of soft trials. DEMONSTRATE a place hope.

SUGGESTED: ITZ INVINCIBLE might be just that.

Race 4: 1-3-2-5

A 3000m race full of non-winners and hard to get excited about betting prospects but have to think it’s right race for AL HARAM (1/11) who hasn’t found an easier race than the 4 he has contested in Australia. Has winkers on. RICHARD OF YORKE gets blinkers on after disappointing as favourite last time in a 2500m race – trying something or significant? KING KAMADA (4/61) has placed last two here and is heading towards a jumping campaign but has a place hope. BLUE JANGLES is at least a last start winner and has 52kg after claim.

SUGGESTED: If AL HARAM can’t win this, doubt be winning anything on the flat in oz.

Race 5: 6-1-10-8

Tricky race,  SCUZI of BM58 and Bm64 wins, LEFT JAYBEE OUT off a quick Wodonga BM70 FICA GAL  has two MV failures, MISS VESPER (can test the Avanti Rose form earlier in night) but things it’s “safest option”, KAILUA is off long break and two Geelong synthetic wins – on it goes, DIVERTENTE I sense adept around the Valley. Good luck.

SUGGESTED: Miss Vesper to find another win.

RACE 6: 10-11-5-6

Even contest. Blinkers go on MANNING ROAD, beaten favourite Sandown last time and well placed with Steph Thornton claim. But this is wide. DIVINE COMMAND has been holding food form and reckon the trip suits now. MARCHING ON got it wrong here similar race here last start, Tongue Tie might tell us why. KING VALOUR is well grounded and one of many chances.

SUGGESTED: Wide in quaddie, gear change MANNING ROAD puts it on top.

RACE 7: 1-2-5-14

TULIP – hasn’t won since 2YO year – is the highest rated horse (81) over Gosford Guineas winner BELLA MARTINI (80)  and I think that’s the way the will finish under these set  weights and penalties conditions. SEANNIE was a good winner this track resuming and was a quick improver in her spring campaign. PLATINUM ANGEL is the one poorly served by race conditions but got to like ability.

SUGGESTED: Good race for TULIP to find a win again.

RACE 8: 9-6-8-5

FREEHEARTED is going to run favourite and probably pretty short and is the one to beat on form. Issue is the alley so compromise risk over price in assessing your bet. MANDALAY BAY is a talent but 1200m is as short as wants. BELIEVING won 12 starts ago, has mostly run well since, without a win. The wildcard is POSEIDON’S POOL, Weir went to a hustling G3 resuming (Cliff’s Edge won), never got travelling and basically race passed it by. Thinking at the odds, open to sharp improvement – 3^rd to Jukebox in a G3 Vain 1100m before break.

SUGGESTED: Having something on POSEIDON’S POOL to upset stablemate favourite Freehearted.

QUADDIE:

1-4-6-8-10

3-5-6-8-10-11

1-2

9-6-8-5

$60 for 25%