Moir Stakes Tips - Alabama Lass primed for Moir Stakes glory at Moonee Valley

Traditionally the curtain-raiser for Victoria’s big spring sprints, the Moir has produced legends from Black Caviar to Imperatriz, and this year’s edition looks every bit as electric. 

All eyes will be on Alabama Lass, the Kiwi raider who has been backed into favourtism since the barrier draw on Wednesday. Trained by Ken and Bev Kelso, the four-year-old mare has travelled across the Tasman with purpose and draws beautifully in barrier 3 to get the run of the race. 

Already a Listed winner at Flemington and a multiple Group performer in New Zealand, her slick trial win at Te Rapa last month confirmed she is ready to fire. With her adaptability, natural pace, and the confidence of her connections, Alabama Lass looks primed to announce herself as a genuine Group 1 force in Australia.

That said, local hero Baraqiel looms as the main danger. A track specialist unbeaten in three runs at The Valley, he resumes here second-up after a stylish first-up win, and the Corstens stable has him right where he wants him. 

The unbeaten filly, Esha, gains a start after some early scratchings and will be out to join Coolongatta as a recent three-year-old filly to taste success in the race. Fillies and mares have a great record in the race winning it 11 times in the last 22 years.

Skybird is a major contender after her one-start autumn campaign that saw her claim the Lightning Stakes at Flemington and she has trialled brilliantly to suggest she’s in top order again. Add to that the unbeaten streak of the Grahame Begg-trained Niance. With the Queensland veteran, Rothfire, in the lineup as well as the recent South Australian winner, Queman, in action, we have a clash of proven elite sprinters and emerging stars with so many different form lines converging, providing what should be a pulsating spectacle.

Expect Midwest (barrier 2) and Queman (wide) to spear forward, while Arabian Summer (barrier 8) and the lightly weighted Esha (barrier 16) also show natural dash. Alabama Lass (barrier 3) gets the gun run just behind them, with Baraqiel (barrier 7) and Oak Hill (wide) poised to slot midfield with cover. Niance (barrier 14) will push on but risks being caught deep, while Skybird (barrier 11) and Payline (barrier 9) are expected to drop out and unleash late. Rothfire (barrier 1) has the tactical versatility to either hold a box-seat position or stalk just behind the leaders. Those forced toward the rear include Sir Sway and Tiger Shark, who will be hoping for a breakneck tempo to bring them into play late.

Very hard to split Alabama Lass and Barqiel. Alabama Lass gets the dream run from barrier 3 and has options. She has shown in her races that she has a stack of early speed and can either lead or sit outside Midwest, who draws just inside her. Craig Williams may opt to take the one/one position. Moonee Valley is a different set of circumstances than Flemington but she has shown that she can cope with the trip over and the early market support is a strong indication that she should be ready to fire. Baraqiel has been a slight drifter but his form at the track is hard to ignore. Alabama Lass gets the tick, due to what looks like a better setup. 

Rothfire hasnt quite measured up first up at his past two preparations but he did perform well when runner-up behind Imperatriz in the McEwan Stakes (1000m) at the track and trip this time two years ago, finishing ahead of Giga Kick. He won the same race three years ago and is fresh off a dominant four-length trial win at Doomben, while he impressed in a Valley gallop earlier this week. He has a bit of history on his side, prepared by Buffering’s former trainer, Rob Heathcote, while he will be ridden by Black Caviar’s former jockey, Luke Nolen. The old warrior draws barrier 1 and will have the last shot at them.