Moonee Valley
Race 3 – Budd Fox
Jockey – Jamie Mott
3000m – Barrier 8
Eight-year-old galloper Budd Fox returns to The Valley this afternoon, a fortnight after being well-beaten in a similar contest at this track and distance. The gelded son of Foxwedge hasn’t threatened the placegetters in four runs this campaign, but stays at the right trip and has his sights set on the upcoming jumps season. Jockey Jamie Mott rides from barrier eight and will let his galloper settle where he’s comfortable, likely midfield in the running line.
Call Me Vexatious will punch through from an inside draw in search of the lead, while Apache Thunder and After The Impact will cross from wider on the course to hold prominent positions in the run. The latter was a big winner here last start, bringing up a hattrick of wins this preparation. He cops a weight penalty as a result, but will be in this for a long way up front. Hardest to beat. Fearentless began favourite last start on the back of some good form and will be well in the market again today. She was beaten eight lengths by After The Impact last start but should get every chance from a good draw to turn the tables. Duhlata is racing in good fashion and looked unlucky not to win at this track last start. First crack at this trip but he looks ready for it. Strong each way claims. So too the Adelaide visitor Call Me Vexatious, who is shooting for three wins in a row and will be somewhere near the speed throughout.
Budd Fox will benefit from the run today as he builds towards the jumping events in the autumn months next year. He has plenty of ground to make up if he is to be competitive in this today, but he’s better than what he showed here last start. He can improve on that effort.
Currently, Budd Fox is a $31 chance in the market.
Moonee Valley
Race 4 – Imapagethree Girl
Jockey – Celine Gaudray
1200m – Barrier 3
Promising mare Imapagethree Girl is third-up when she gets her first look at The Valley this afternoon. The four-year-old daughter of Press Statement was a strong winner when fresh at Ballarat in November, before a plain effort up in grade on soft ground last start. Back on top of the ground will suit today, and leading apprentice Celine Gaudray can get a lovely run behind the leaders from an ideal draw.
Speed looks good with Motoman, Hurricane Thunder and Signal all punching forward from low draws, while Milliondollarmumma and Mr Tickles will roll across from wide gates and have a look early on. This should set up a nice trail for both Imapagethree Girl and Exceed The Dream, who will look for similar runs. The latter was impressive when easily winning her maiden at this track and trip a fortnight ago. Any improvement on the back of that run has her right in the mix here. Milliondollarmumma is another last start winner here at 1200-metres and has won a Flemington jumpout since that run a month ago. She’ll give a sight from the front. Motoman held on for a tough maiden win last time out and has the advantage of the inside alley today. Up in grade but has each way claims. So too Joltin’ Joe who likes racing here.
Imapagethree Girl maps to get the right run today and has the class to measure up in a field like this. She’ll need luck to make her run at the right time, and if it’s forthcoming, will prove hard to hold out late. One of the leading contenders.
Currently, Imapagethree Girl is a $6.50 chance in the market.