Although the Manikato Stakes is clearly the best race on the programme it is not the best race for betting. Cases can be made for Apache Cat (loves it here:recent first up runs not at MV), Danlegh (excellent first up), Lucky Secret (MV specialist on pacer/leader), Nicconi (unbeaten here 2/2:rising star), Mic Mac (wisely back to sprints as cannot run strong 1600m) and the improver Swift Alliance who on career statistics is badly weighted. If you want to be narky you could pot Apache Cat from the

Although the Manikato Stakes is clearly the best race on the programme it is not the best race for betting. Cases can be made for Apache Cat (loves it here:recent first up runs not at MV), Danlegh (excellent first up), Lucky Secret (MV specialist on pacer/leader), Nicconi (unbeaten here 2/2:rising star), Mic Mac (wisely back to sprints as cannot run strong 1600m) and the improver Swift Alliance who on career statistics is badly weighted. If you want to be narky you could pot Apache Cat from the wide barrier and Swift Alliance on class but both have the ability to flick egg on the face of detractors and I am not prepared to bag them on those issues. On their day all the chances I have mentioned can win so in effect we are guessing the winner and guessing is not a winning racetrack recipe.

However Race 1 is not a guessing game and I find no reason why the fitter on pacer/leader Cerberus Gal cannot beat the promising get back type Rose Syrah. I feel like I am guessing for 3rd and 4 th between Crown Ruby, Chinner Street and Status Symbol but have decided Chinner Street's 1.6L to Belleza Veloz two runs ago gets the nod for 3rd and the lightly raced, possible improver Status Symbol for 4th

Race 3 has me keen on Running Riot whose run behind Zarita (bless its heart) and Cats Whisker, when checked, is certainly good enough to win this. Sparkling Satine struck interference in the same race and has to be forgiven and therefore slots in the 2nd position. Belloza Veloz ran well enough in the Lets Elope to deserve 3rd position and if you can forgive Partiva's last run her 2nd to Sparkling Satine two runs ago finds her in the D position just from Miss Scarlatti (needs to fire here or worrying times ahead).

That's basically it for Moonee Valley betting wise for me though I will most likely be having a small place bet on Lucky Secret in the Manikato Stakes. He will be there with Mic Mac on the home turn but the last 50m will be the worry.

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