Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley: Tips and runner-by-runner analysis

Here is our runner-by-runner form assessment and tips for Friday night’s Moir Stakes at The Valley.

Moir Stakes favourite Imperatriz winning the McEwen Stakes. Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images.

The Group 1 Moir Stakes (1200m) on Friday night at The Valley heralds what promises to be a bumper weekend of top class racing and here is our assessment of each of the runners.

The Moir Stakes was first run in 1976 when won by Scamanda and the race was issued with Group 1 status in 2013 and in 2015 the distance of the race was changed from 1200 to 1000m.

Here is a runner-by-runner analysis of every horse set to line up on Friday.

1 – ROTHFIRE

One of Australia’s true sprinting warhorses. A Group 1 winning juvenile in 2020, he’s run 11 times at Group 1 level, only once finishing further back than fifth and finishing in the placings five times. Hit the line as well as anything when second in the McEwen Stakes and drawn the pole here to race as close as his legs will allow.

Verdict: He’ll be around the mark.

Rothfire defeated Zoustyle & Coolangatta in last year's McEwen Stakes 🔥

He's got Giga Kick & Imperatriz to beat this year... 🫢 pic.twitter.com/lp7dceJplr

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 6, 2023

2 – THE INFERNO

Veteran galloper resuming off one jumpout at Mornington earlier this month where he was in cruise mode over the 800m. For the past two years he resumed in the McEwen Stakes and then ran in this race, finishing second in 2021. First-up in the McEwen he won in 2021 and finished fourth behind Rothfire last year. He is a three-time winner first-up.

Verdict: Will be doing his best work late.

The Inferno comes storming home in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes! pic.twitter.com/ru8rGCKGFG

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 4, 2021

3 – UNCOMMON JAMES

Lightly raced speedster that charged through the grades during the 2022/23 season. He won the Oakleigh Plate and then ran second in The Galaxy during the autumn. Yet to race at The Valley but this place should suit his on speed racing style. Looked sharp when winning a Kilmore 1000m jumpout recently.

Verdict: Fresh blood – don’t rule out.

UNCOMMON JAMES SALUTES IN THE OAKLEIGH PLATE!

FIRST GROUP 1 BEN THOMPSON & O'DEA/HOYSTED! 👏@[e-mail]/w2sdV0UJVF

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) February 25, 2023

4 – ZOUSTYLE

Led and folded up in the McEwen Stakes. It’s nearing two years now since he last won a race and while 1000m is right in his wheelhouse, his best days appear to be behind him. Yet to win here in three starts.

Verdict: Looking for something easier.

5 – GENERATION

He did run well in this race last year when beaten just over 1-1/2 lengths by Coolangatta and Bella Nipotina. Arrives here off a similar set-up, having resumed in The Heath at Caulfield but his performance this year was almost two lengths inferior to his second placing in 2022. Drawn to get a stalking run.

Verdict: Place best.

⚜️ An incredible performance by Written Tycoon filly Coolangatta (ex Piping Hot), as she flies home in the G1 Moir S. @TheValley!

Claiming her fourth stakes win and first G1; congratulations to breeder @HighclereAU, she sold @mmsnippets GC from @Milburn_Creek to @cmaherracing. pic.twitter.com/oL9DBRsvoC

— Yulong Investments (@YulongInvest) September 23, 2022

6 – ACROMANTULA

West Aussie galloper that created an early impression when winning the Norman Carlyon last month but he was then found out in the McEwen Stakes when racing on speed before dropping out to be beaten over five lengths. This is no easier than the last run.

Verdict: Needs to drop back in grade.

"Acromantula too fast, too quick!"

Acromantula speeds away with the Carlyon Stakes. 🔥@[e-mail]/kNKMpGFvFA

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) August 26, 2023

7 – IMPERATRIZ

The Kiwi superstar that is unbeaten in two Melbourne starts and looked outstanding when putting them to the sword in the McEwen Stakes. Meets a similar field here, she’s two from two at The Valley and this is a target race.

Verdict: The one to beat.

HOW IMPRESSIVE WAS THAT! 😱

IMPERATRIZ SWOOPS PAST GIGA KICK IN THE MCEWEN! 💨@TeAkauRacingpic.twitter.com/UWNCh6UqMU

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 9, 2023

8 – ASFOORA

Speedy mare who like Uncommon James adds another dimension to the race. She came up just short in the Oakleigh Plate, Galaxy and Quokka during the autumn then resumed and was never in danger of defeat in The Heath at Caulfield. She will go forward and make her own luck and the 1100m first-up run could be telling late.

Verdict: Can’t be ignored.

"Asfoora too quick fresh!"

Great result for Henry Dwyer & Mitch Aitken! 👏@[e-mail]/lv9Cp32TSc

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 2, 2023

TIPS

1st – IMPERATRIZ (No. 7)

2nd – UNCOMMON JAMES (No. 3)

3rd – ASFOORA (No. 8)

4th – ROTHFIRE (No. 1)

Originally published as Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley: Tips and runner-by-runner analysis