22/10/2005 edition

Moonee Valley Cox Plate Day

Continued from previous page

Is the Cox Plate a good betting race? It used to be. But not so much now. It will be a great spectacle but is generally not a race for major bets. The more unknowns in a race the poorer it can become as a betting race. When you are betting into markets well over 100% (120% on the tote) it is often difficult enough with just local horses competing. When you add to the equation the wildcards from overseas you usually end up with a poor betting race. The Melbourne Cup is even worse.

Let's have a look at the unique Moonee Valley track

Moonee Valley, operated by the Moonee Valley Racing Club, is rectangular in shape with a circumference of 1,805 metres.

The unique StrathAyr track, (heavily sand-based), provides an excellent cushion for horses and is a very good draining and wet weather track.

The home straight, only 173 metres, is by far the shortest of all metropolitan racecourses in Australia. Because of the exceptionally short home straight, the track often favours good leaders and on pace horses who kick away around the home turn opening up a winning break on the field.

This is never more true than when the rail is out five metres. It is not uncommon for one race after another to be won by the horse that is out fastest and leads all the way - just like the greyhounds!

Moonee Valley is very much a specialists' track. Horses drawn barrier one who get back in the field are often in trouble because of the short home straight.

Barrier Guide

1000 metres: This barrier is located in a chute at the back of the course. There is a straight run of about 400 metres to a sweeping turn to the home straight. Inside barriers are a significant advantage for fast starters.

1200 metres: This barrier starts in a chute at the back of the course. There is a straight run of about 350 metres to the first turn. Inside barriers are an advantage.

1600 metres: Situated on the course proper on the side of the track. There is a straight run of nearly 400 metres to the first corner. Inside barriers are a slight advantage.

2040 metres: This is where the Cox Plate starts at the top of the home straight. There is only 200 metres to the first turn. Wide barriers are usually a big disadvantage.

2600 metres: This barrier starts from a chute near the 800 metres mark. There is a run of about 400 metres to the first turn. Inside barriers are a slight advantage.

3000 metres: This barrier starts in a chute at the back of the course. Inside barriers are a slight advantage.

This edition of Punt to Win:
Moonee Valley Cox Plate Day
Get those betting odds
Moonee Valley quick pick horse racing betting system
Horse Watch betting system - future winners
Betting favourites in small fields
Best odds for well bet winners - bookmaker or tote?
Betting tips from the track: Caulfield Cup Day
Betting tips from the track: Randwick
Racing results for horses carrying a weight handicap of 59kg.
Future winners - unlucky horses
Punt to Win 15/10/2005
Punt to Win index

Betting packages

Best Tote Odds?

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