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The Spring Stars continue their return to the races at Moonee Valley on Saturday with a pair of Group 2 events boasting strong fields.
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The nine race program at Moonee Valley on Saturday is spearheaded by the Group 2 Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m).
In a field where a majority of runners will be eyeing off one of the spring majors in the form of a Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup, He’s Our Rokkii appears set to capitalise.
He’s Our Rokkii ran fourth on resuming in a strong P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield three weeks ago, behind the likes of Group 1 winners Hartnell and Black Heart Bart.
With a fitness edge over most in Saturday’s Moonee Valley feature event, He’s Our Rokkii has been installed as a $3.40 favourite.
A three time winner over the mile, success on Saturday would provide trainer David Hayes his first Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes in partnership with Tom Dabernig and son Ben Hayes after winning the 2008 renewal with Guillotine.
The Darren Weir-trained Star Exhibit also comes out of the P.B. Lawrence Stakes and is presently a $6.50 second elect.
New Zealand mares Lizzie L’amour and Bonneval also possess each way appeal, each resuming off strong autumn campaigns.
The first of four black type events on the card is the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m).
A small but select field of sprinters has been assembled where speedy filly Houtzen holds favouritism.
Despite carrying only 50kg, the Queensland-trained filly has quite an ask ahead of her to beat older, proven Group 1 horses in the form of Russian Revolution, Hellbent, Supido and Heatherly.
The McEwen Stakes is the start of Houtzen’s spring campaign which has the ultimate goal of The Everest at Randwick on October 14.
The fillies commence the quaddie with a capacity field contesting the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m).
The unbeaten Shoals will look to maintain that record on resuming and has been installed as a $3.80 favourite.
She can expect strong opposition from first up winner Roomooz who is drawn to enjoy a cosy run in transit and also Limestone.
The Waterhouse-Bott-trained filly Sheikha profiles as a value player in her Melbourne debut, presently quoted at $41.
The Bendigo Bank Stakes (1200m) sees Brave Smash as a short priced favourite to take out the event after a strong Australian debut where he finished second behind subsequent Memsie Stakes winner Vega Magic three weeks ago.
Brave Smash produced a head turning display and appears well suited on Saturday with added fitness under his belt.
Second favourite Oak Door and the Group 1 placed Keen Array shape as the pick of his opposition.
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