The Valley by Nick Foot

#2 Blue Stratum

He was a bit of a spruik 2YO for the McEvoy’s in the Spring, missed a big pay day when not getting into the final field on Cox Plate Day, before going onto be runner up in the G3 Maribyrnong Plate. He looks a far more polished product this time in, sat in behind a solid tempo FUP at Pakenham and was able to produce a nice turn of foot late to win. He should get a nice run again behind the speed and represents good value.

#2 Mornington Glory

I’m going to be forgiving of his FUP run where the track was a genuine soft 7 and there was rain throughout the day. He’s much better suited on top of the ground and should get that here with race fitness on his side. Jamie Kah goes on

#4 Interpretation

This is quite an open race and whilst he will get better over further, INTERPRETATION can run a cheeky race at a big price. He was ok through the line LS at Flemington on heavy going, is a proven 3rd up performer on top of the ground and if he can capture anywhere near his best I think he will be running into the top 3.

#15 Wallenda

He’s been racing well against his own age and is still untapped relative to a few of these with just the 12 career starts. Closed off from the back in race fastest closing splits behind PIASTRI at Caulfield LS and with the low draw here Mick Dee can opt to settle a touch closer.

Best Bet – R5 #2 Mornington Glory

Best Value – R7 #4 Interpretation

Multi – Mornington Glory PLC, Interpretation PLC, Wallenda PLC (approx $19)