Moonee Valley Race Tips

Moonee Valley is one of four racecourses in Melbourne and the home of the weight for age championship of Australasia, the Cox Plate.

The Cox Plate is rightfully known as ‘the race where legends are made’. All the greats have won it. Phar Lap, Tulloch, Kingston Town, Sunline, Northerly and Winx.

Run over the distance of 2040m, the race begins at the top of the short Moonee Valley home straight and goes for that distance and another full lap of the tight turning circuit.

It is held under weight for age conditions, meaning that all horses can run on their merits. Unlike the ‘Classic’ races it is not restricted to an age group, and unlike the big Cups, it is not a handicap which should – in theory – give every horse an equal chance.

Moonee Valley is a totally different style of track to any other in Melbourne. With a home straight just 173 metres long, the rectangular circuit often suits leaders as it can be hard for horses in the back straight to make ground.

This is particularly case for the 955m, 1000m and 1200m starts, but even over the longer distances of 1500m, 1600m and 2040m leaders win a large proportion of races.

Although located just a short ten minute drive from Flemington, the tracks are polar opposites.

Most Moonee Valley meetings are held at night. Commencing on Grand Final eve with the Moir Stakes, and going through until around labour day, Friday night racing is extremely popular and often attracts big crowds.

Group 1 races held at Moonee Valley include the Cox Plate, Manikato Stakes, Moir Stakes and Australia Stakes. All except the Cox Plate are held at night.

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