Race Preview
The Melbourne Mail: Moonee Valley - 23rd August 2025
Brad Bishop casts his eye over Listed Carlyon Stakes day at Moonee Valley.
The punters who backed Stoli Bolli a couple of weeks ago at Moonee Valley might still be reeling at the result, but that shouldn't turn them against him this week.
The Deep Field gelding started $2.35 favourite, after up to $3.80 was freely available in the days leading up to the race, but had to settle for third placing, beaten 1-1/4 lengths.
But he was undone by a sluggish getaway at his first try at 1000m and did a great job to get so close after being forced to circle the field from near last in a race where the first two home travelled much closer the fence.
In fact, the winner Don't Hope Do has been deemed worthy of a shot at the Listed Carlyon Stakes early in the day and while Stoli Bolli rises to BM84 grade this weekend, that means he'll carry 5kg less than last start.
That, along with a cleaner getaway, will hopefully help him settle a little closer and reel them in late.
Earlier in the day, Crossbow can go back-to-back in the third event.
The Chris Waller-trained gelding renews hostilities with classy filly Exit, whom he turned over at a short quote last start, and while Exit had excuses that day – mainly a firmer track and having to come from last – Crossbow coasted to the line with ears twitching that day, which suggests he had a bit more up his sleeve.
He meets Exit 3kg worse at the weight, but will again be ahead of Exit – and classy colt Godtfred Kirk, who looks the new blood in the race – in the run and looks ready for the step up to 1523m after a couple of runs at seven furlongs.
MELBOURNE MAIL
Best Bet: Race 9 No 12 – Stoli Bolli
Next Best: Race 3 No 1 - Crossbow
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