The Early Oil: Herald Sun racing writer Michael Manley gives his extended preview of Saturday’s Moonee Valley meeting

HERALD Sun’s leading form analyst Michael Manley says punters shouldn’t have to wait too long to get themselves off to a good start at Moonee Valley.

HERALD Sun’s leading form analyst Michael Manley says punters shouldn’t have to wait too long to get themselves off to a good start at Moonee Valley.

Manley says Kaniana (Race 1, No. 3) has the right ingredients to get the ball rolling on Saturday.

He says her best work was late when she was successful over 1600m at Caulfield last start and is a winner at Moonee Valley this distance at her only start. Stick with her.

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BEST BET

KANIANA (Race 1, No. 3)

EARLY QUAD

5,8,9/1,2,3,4,7,8,11,13/2,5,6,8/2,5,6,10

$100 flexi for 26.04 per cent

VALUE BET

SADAQA (Race 2, No. 9)

BIG6

2,6,8/5,8/2,4,5,8/3/1,2,310,12,14/2,4,6,13

$100 flexi for 20.83 per cent

QUADDIE

1,2,4,5,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,16/3/1,2,3,8,10,12,14/2,4,6,8,10,13

$100 flexi for 19.84 per cent

Race 1: William Hill Handicap (1600m) 12.25pm

There looked to be worries for KANIANA (3) with 300m to go at Caulfield last start but once she got into the clear she had little trouble putting her rivals away. Likely to settle handier in this and although she is up 4.5 kilos on last start Oliver goes on. Also she has had one start this track and distance for a win. CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL (8) fought hard to win second-up at Pakenham last start over 1400m. She was consistent last spring and is up to this level. BONNIE BELLE (9) fought hard to hold off DULVERTON (7) last start at Sandown. CHOICE (5) was sound last start at Caulfield behind Kaniana and blinkers go on again.

Suggested bet: Kaniana the win.

Race 2: 1Print Craig Opie Cup (1600m) 1pm

SADAQA (9) could prove nice each-way value. Fitter for four runs back from a spell. Did the chasing behind Great Esteem at Caulfield last start before tiring. Drops three kilos on that and Dwayne Dunn goes on. Six starts this track and distance for three seconds and a third. Will go forward with the consistent MIHANY (8) and they could control the race. RAW IMPULSE (4) is a potential top liner. Won his first three Australian starts including a win over 1500m in a breeze before failing in Sydney over 2400m. Stablemate MASTER ZEPHYR (7) is also a promising stayer and he finished off well for third behind Royal Rapture last start at Moonee Valley. Massive watches on the Robert Hickmott pair of FOUNDRY (1) and OBSERVATIONAL (2).

Suggested bet: Sadaqa each-way.

Race 3: Quest Moonee Valley Handicap (1514m) 1.35pm

Sydney visitor LORD MACAU (3) fought hard for close-up third in useful form race at Rosehill last start when he led and although collared with 300m to go kept grinding away. HEY DOC (1) resumed from a spell as a gelding with tough win with big weight at Sandown. Rises from 1200m to 1514m but has always displayed a touch of class. BENNY GOES BERSERK (4) finished on strongly at his last start when he finished second at Flemington over 1400m. TARA ITI (13) is bred on staying lines and finished off nicely at his debut at Sandown. HAVILDAR (2) is talented.

Suggested bet: Lord Macau each-way.

Race 4: United Refrigeration Handicap (1514m) 2.15pm

MR INDIVIDUAL (2) worked early to lead and was under pressure a long way out but kept fighting when just beaten by the in-form Prince Of Brooklyn last start at Caulfield. Drawn out but it will be busy early and he might be able to slot in behind two other in-form horses MOSS ’N’ DALE (6) and OSCAR’S MY MATE PA (5) who will push forward. VOSTOK (10) had little luck last start at Cranbourne after he finished third behind Prince Of Brooklyn. With Oliver on is likely to position up just behind the speed. Former English miler STEGGLER (8) should be fitter for useful debut for Weir.

Suggested bet: Mr Individual the win.

Race 5: Miity’s Racing Colours McEwen Stakes (1000m) 2.50pm

Brilliant sprinting mare HEATHERLY (8) cruised to the turn and looked like she might win easily before she tired when a first-up winner here. Will have derived improvement from that run. Will be a bit of pressure in this with some fast horses such as WILD RAIN (6), FURNACES (2) and CHLOE IN PARIS (10) against her but should prove too good for them. SHEIDEL (5) is a classy mare resuming who could get a spot off the speed. Furnaces finished third in this race last year behind Chautauqua and Flamberge. Wild Rain loves this track and distance. RELDAS (3) should be suited by the speed.

Suggested bet: Heatherly the win.

Race 6: Mitchelton Wines Atlantic Jewel Stakes 3.30pm

SWEET SHERRY (5) gained rails runs when she was a first-up winner this track and distance last start. At her previous run she ran a sound race in the Golden Slipper. OREGON’S DAY (8) was spelled after impressive win over smart colt Highland Beat. ZAMZAM (4) led when she resumed from a spell and tired to finish fourth behind Sweet Sherry. Perth filly WHISPERING BROOK (1) is unbeaten in five starts and makes her Victorian debut. GRETNA (10) is a winner at the track and resumed with win at Canterbury recently. ATHENA LASS (13) is speedy and will give a great sight.

Suggested bet: Sweet Sherry each-way.

Voodoo Lad goes to Moonee Valley in good form. Picture: Getty Images

Race 7: SAJ Fruit Supply Stakes (1200m) 4.10pm

After two disappointing runs down the straight VOODOO LAD (3) settled off the speed and sprinted home for easy win over 1200m at Caulfield last start. He’s fit and in form and is above average. KEEN ARRAY (4) resumes after disappointing autumn campaign. Has been trialling well and if he can recapture his form of last spring will prove hard to beat. FAST’N’ROCKING (1) finished off strongly, which is his wont, when third to Voodoo Lad last start at Caulfield. SEBRING SUN (14) made a nice debut for Darren Weir when he finished close third to Just Magical and FAST CASH (12) last start this track and distance. Query runner is HANDSOME TYCOON (11) who has won his past six starts in the Northern Territory and debuts for Jarrod McLean.

Suggested bet: Voodoo Lad the win.

Suavito has a solid second up record. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Race 8: Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) 4.50pm

SUAVITO (10) finished off nicely when she resumed when sixth behind MISS ROSE DE LAGO (12) in the Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield in the manner of a horse looking for 1600m. She has a good second-up record, likes the Valley and should be suited by the likely fast speed. THE UNITED STATES (2) graduated to being a Group 1 winner last time in and he flies fresh. Also likes it here. Big watch on former Japanese galloper TOSEN STARDOM (1) who debuts for Darren Weir. Stablemate MAHUTA (8) went forward and was held up for a run in the straight when third behind Black Heart Bart in the Memsie Stakes last start. Miss Rose De Lago was strong winning first-up. THE CLEANER (3) has won this race the past two years. JAMEKA (14) always runs well.

Suggested bet: Suavito each-way.

Race 9: MSC Signs Handicap (2040m) 5.25pm

O’LONERA (13) completed the hat-trick of wins with comfortable victory over 2000m at Caulfield last start. Drops two kilos on that win and seems to be getting better with every start. BOLD SNIPER (4) dropped back in distance when he out toughed the in-form PIN YOUR HOPES (6) to win this trip and track last start. Iron horse KILLARNEY KID (2) continued on his winning way when too strong at Flemington last start. Big watches on Lloyd Williams’ imports — ALOFT (10) and HANS HOLBEIN (8). ZANTECA (11) is an above average staying mare who will be suited by the extra trip.

Suggested bet: O’Lonera each-way.

Originally published as The Early Oil: Herald Sun racing writer Michael Manley gives his extended preview of Saturday’s Moonee Valley meeting