The SEW-Eurodrive Victoria Cup and the Bill Collins Trotters Mile might be tonight's Group 1 events at Moonee Valley, but another race could hold the key to feature events down the track.
The $20,000 MHRC Cup (2100m) has assembled a field of top-quality three-year-olds and could prove a significant pointer towards the Group 1 Alabar Victoria Derby on March 1.
The connections of most of the eight-horse field would be harbouring Victoria Derby dreams with their star charges.
One such trainer is Lance Justice, who puts the polish on promising Live Or Die gelding Normie.
The highly-rated Kiwi import, who is owned in the same interests as Victoria Cup runners Smoken Up and Smooth Crusa, is unbeaten in his two Aussie appearances and has been installed a hot $1.80 favourite by TAB Sportsbet.
“He has a got a long way to go, but I do think that he’s a Derby chance,” Justice said.
“I’ve already pencilled a run in the Adelaide (South Australian) Derby and the Victoria Derby for him.
“He’s got his share of ability and hopefully things keep going good with him, because I think we can have a lot of fun with him.”
But tonight’s race is anything but a Normie benefit.
The Keith Cotchin-trained Tanabi Bromac, who boasts three wins and a second placing from four starts, is $4.60 in TAB Sportsbet’s market, while Tatlow Stakes runner-up Sledging is at $4.80.
The Chris Alford-trained Ohoka Georgia, who has filled a place in 11 of his 13 starts, and Craig Turnbull’s promising Shoot The Dice are both at $10 in the race that will be run at 8pm.
