Racing is back at The Valley!
It has been far too long since we got to enjoy a meeting at our favourite track and there is plenty of value to be found.
We have analysed every single race on the card and our tips can be found below!
Preview brought to you by Ladbrokes. Learn more about Ladbrokes HERE.
Race 1 – 12:45PM – Mia Kleer Hand Sanitiser Handicap, (1000m)
This is a tricky way to start the day for punters as a number of horses in this field will be making their racing debuts.
Direct wasn’t disgraced in the Silver Slipper Stakes and the Todman Stakes and this could be the right race for him.
The Siyouni colt looks to have speed to burn and Joe Bowditch will be able to ride him aggressively in the early stages of this contest.
Race 2 – 1:20PM – Plant Powered Cleaning Handicap, (1000m)
This is an outstanding race and there are a number of talented gallopers in this field that I think have big futures.
Frost Flowers looked like a star in the making when she won the New Year Sprint at Flemington and she wasn’t disgraced in the Blue Diamond Preview or the Talindert Stakes.
1000 metres looks like her go and The Valley is a track that should suit.
Race 3 – 1:55pm – Brompton Handicap, (1600m)
Al Galayel has an excellent record at The Valley and he can make a winning return to the races on Saturday.
He has scored four wins from his seven race starts at The Valley and he has an excellent first-up record as well.
The Zoffany gelding showed his talent when he won the Ladbrokes JRA Cup at The Valley during the 2020 Spring Racing Carnival and anything close to that sort of effort would make him very tough to beat.
$9.50 is well and truly over the odds.
Race 4 – 2:30pm – Mirasan Handicap, (2040m)
Nudge Bar is excellent value at his current quote of $10.
He has recorded two wins on the trot and there is no doubt that he is racing in career best form.
There is very little speed in this contest and he should get a fairly easy time of it in front.
The Bullbars gelding will give his rivals something to chase.
Race 5 – 3:10pm – Dominant Cleaning Solutions Handicap, (1514m)
I’m Thunderstruck is deserving of his status as a dominant favourite for this contest.
He has always looked to have plenty of ability and he delivered on that with a dominant victory at Flemington last start.
The scary thing for his rivals is that he still has the scope to improve and he has the benefit of Jamie Kah in the saddle.
It will be interesting to see how far he can get this campaign.
Race 6 – 3:50pm – Victoria Wakeful Club Lady Of Racing Handicap, (1600m)
This is one of the most open races of the day at The Valley and there are a couple of horses that I am keen to back at a nice price.
Leale doesn’t win out of turn, but she is racing well this campaign and she has performed strongly at The Valley in the past.
The Moshe mare will make her own luck right on the speed.
This is a step-up in class for So You Assume, but I am confident that she still has plenty of upside.
The So You Think filly has speed to burn and The Valley looks like a perfect track for her.
Race 7 – 4:30pm – Travis Harrison Cup, (2500m)
Smokin’ Romans was able to return to winning form and, with even luck in running, he can make it two wins on the trot at The Valley this afternoon.
There was plenty to like about the way that he found the line at Ladbrokes Park Sandown last start and the step-up in trip to 2500 metres is ideal.
The wide barrier draw isn’t ideal, but he does have tactical versatility and he can outstay his rivals late.
Race 8 – 5:05pm – Congratulations Jamie Kah Handicap, (2040m)
Cleitus is a lightly-raced galloper that still has plenty of upside.
I was very impressed with the way that he put away his rivals at Cranbourne last start and the form coming out of that race has been very strong.
Damien Thornton can ride him aggressively from barrier eight and he will give his rivals something to chase.
Race 9 – 5:40pm – Ladbroke It Handicap, (1200m)
Imperial Lad returned to the races with a tough victory at Geelong and he has developed into a very consistent performer.
He hasn’t raced at The Valley in the past, but it is the type of track that should suit him as he makes his own luck right on the speed.
The All Too Hard gelding simply doesn’t produce a poor effort and there is no doubt that he will be right in the mix once again.