The first of the key Group 1 spring sprint features runs at Moon…wait…no, it’s not at The Valley! With Moonee Valley undergoing a huge redevelopment, our opening elite level sprint of the season moves to Sandown and Ladbrokes are here with our expert 2026 AJ Moir Stakes tips, predictions and best bets no matter where it runs!
The Moir Stakes form has been flipped this year with The Valley track specialists no longer the ones heading the markets on this 1000m super dash.
No, this year we’ll be looking at the proven short-distance specialist at any track and making our Moir Stakes predictions based on class, experience and X-factor.
With a cracking field of 13, the markets on this season’s $750,000 event are wide open and a young filly right down in the kilos is leading the way in the latest Moir Stakes odds.
But can Natural Fling live up to the hype even from her horror draw? Or will we see a more seasoned carnival crusader like former The Everest hero Giga Kick step up and salute?
Read on for all our AJ Moir Stakes 2026 selections and Same Race Multi selections as we get further into the best racing of the year.
Race Snapshot
- Status: Group 1
- Distance: 1000m
- Track: Sandown-Hillside
- Conditions: Weight-for-Age
- Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Race Style: A sustained‑speed 1000m sprint that rewards horses who can build momentum and finish strongly down the long rising straight rather than the traditional Valley pressure‑cooker dash.
- Key Profiles: Focus on proven short-distance specialists and proven Group performers, those that benefit under the WFA conditions of the race and emerging sprinters eyeing a run in The Everest.
2026 AJ Moir Stakes Best Bets
Ciaron Maher’s progressive and promising young filly NATURAL FLING (13) may be drawn the outside alley in this year’s Moir Stakes field, but the money coming for the lightly raced daughter of Home Affairs is coming thick and fast.
The bonny three-year-old may be the least experienced in the line-up but that hasn’t stopped the punters coming for her following a first-up demolition job at Caulfield winning the Group 3 Quezette Stakes by four lengths.
Look, she’s untapped and on the improve, but her latest was over 1100m against her own kind and age and this is a HUGE step up in grade.
Will relish the drop from 56kg to just 50kg now but whether she’s sharp enough and seasoned enough to match motors with the big guns is the question.
Wide draw means Jamie Melham, who rode her in the winter for a second at the Gold Coast, will likely cross and lead and she’s weighted to hang in there.
That said, at the price she remains a risk of getting run down as the better proven sprint stars come for her late.
Top 3…maybe.
Verdict: Electric favourite in the Moir — brilliant, lightweight and likely to lead, but just raw enough that the big guns might mug her late.
| 13. Natural Fling (13) J: Jamie Melham 50kg 12×1T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months favourite; scored a big 4 len win in the G3 Quezette Stakes at Caulfield on August 15 over 1100m on a soft track defeating Scintillation carrying 56kg at $2.40. Previously second-up ran on from midfield; 2nd of 12 in a Mm Nat 2yo SW at Gold Coast on May 22 over 1000m, slow going 1.5 len behind The Next Episode carrying 55kg at $3.10. Very good filly, looks capable of raising the bar against the older horses. | |||
GIGA KICK (9) resumes in a cracking Moir field and for mine the Clayton Douglas-trained son of Scissor Kick remains a huge Each Way danger fresh.
He won an Everest as a three-year-old, makes his seven-year-old debut and, despite a mediocre effort at his latest in the autumn, he’s a genuine hope to bounce back fresh and return to his best.
Was runner-up by a nostril-flare to Joliestar in Randwick’s Group 1 TJ Smith back in April before a flat run for 10th to Beiwacht – who came out and trumped them in the Memsie by a runaway margin last weekend – in the Group 1 All Aged over 1400m.
His trials in Melbourne leading-up to his spring kick-off have been very encouraging, he’s got a strong first-up record and has the class to challenge the young filly topping him in Moir Stakes betting.
Gets conditions to suit, was far from disgraced fresh last prep only two lengths off Tentyris in the Black Caviar despite finishing eighth and can be there when it counts making up the ground.
Verdict: The seasoned danger in the Moir — classy, trial‑sharp and dangerous fresh, ready to swoop late if the old magic flicks back on.
| 1. Giga Kick (9) J: Mark Zahra 58.5kg 5420xT: Clayton Douglas | |||
| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation tenth of 13 at Randwick in the G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m, 4 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $9. When resuming last campaign fifth of 8 at Flemington in the G1 Lightning February 14 over 1000m, 2 len behind Tentyris carrying 58.5kg at $3.50. Class gelding who will be rattling home over a trip short of his best. | |||
We’ve got a host of next best contenders in the Moir but for mine, CAVALRY GIRL (6) is the roughie danger with the fitness edge who ticks plenty of boxes to outrun her double-figure quote.
Tom Dabernig’s four-year-old daughter of Bivouac has been absolutely flying this year and comes in hot off a trio of lead-up wins.
Back in late July she put 4.5 lengths on next over the line Yuuki in Morphettville’s Listed Lightning Stakes (1050m) proving how sharp she can be with the right run.
She then went to Caulfield’s Heath track on August 8 and was emphatic again, claiming a BM100 on a light weight by 3.75 lengths in a pretty solid form line race.
Up in grade at her latest here at the Hillside track on Heavy going, she handled the conditions aplomb and defeated a decent line-up of rivals by a half-length in the Group 3 Norman Carlyon.
This is an obvious acid test, but she deserves her shot, is rock-hard fit, proven at the course and a specialist at the distance (14:7-2-0).
While some of the better fancied will just be hitting their top gear late, she’ll be on speed and Willo will be aboard again making sure her winning streak won’t get cut without a fight.
If the favourite Natural Fling maps well in front, then surely this girl does too at a far better price.
Verdict: The on‑speed smokie — rock‑hard fit, flying, and cheeky enough to make the big names sweat for every stride.
| 9. Cavalry Girl (5) J: Craig Williams 56.5kg 12111T: Tom Dabernig | |||
| On a three run winning streak. Most recently favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.5 len in the G3 Carlyon Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1000m in the wet defeating Bazaball Rewarded carrying 56kg at $2.30. The race before that favourite; won by 4 len at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1000m in soft going defeating Along The River with 53kg at $2.80. Flying at this trip, can measure up. | |||
2026 Moir Stakes Same Race Multi Selections
We’re taking a risk and leaving the Moir Stakes favourite out of the equation in our Group 1 SRM in Melbourne focusing instead on two good runners with the credentials to run in the money, plus one horse that just keeps coming up in some statistical equations who adds enormous value for a Top 6 performance.
- Top 2 – No. 1 Giga Kick
- Top 3 – No. 9 Cavalry Girl
- Top 6 – No. 12 Bazaball Rewarded
GIGA KICK (9) is the savvy Same Race Multi play for a run in the quinella — a proven heavyweight with sharp trials and a lethal fresh burst, perfectly placed to storm home into the minors even if he doesn’t land the knockout blow.
CAVALRY GIRL (6) is a double-figure roughie who maps beautifully — rock‑hard fit, on‑speed, and in the sort of form that makes her a cracking chance to stick on for a top‑three finish at juicy odds.
BAZABALL REWARDED (3) is a no-name runner at a big price but there’s been a touch of money come in for this Reward For Effort mare who likes the track, has a killer 1000m record and surprised plenty with her Norman Carlyon second to Cavalry Girl here at her latest. Maps well, drawn a dream, can surprise.
| 1. Giga Kick (9) J: Mark Zahra 58.5kg 5420xT: Clayton Douglas | |||
| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation tenth of 13 at Randwick in the G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m, 4 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $9. When resuming last campaign fifth of 8 at Flemington in the G1 Lightning February 14 over 1000m, 2 len behind Tentyris carrying 58.5kg at $3.50. Class gelding who will be rattling home over a trip short of his best. | |||
| 9. Cavalry Girl (5) J: Craig Williams 56.5kg 12111T: Tom Dabernig | |||
| On a three run winning streak. Most recently favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.5 len in the G3 Carlyon Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1000m in the wet defeating Bazaball Rewarded carrying 56kg at $2.30. The race before that favourite; won by 4 len at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1000m in soft going defeating Along The River with 53kg at $2.80. Flying at this trip, can measure up. | |||
| 12. Bazaball Rewarded (3) J: Teo Nugent 56.5kg 12732T: Kelvin Southey | |||
| At the latest run sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 8 in the G3 Carlyon Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1000m, in the wet; 0.5 len behind Cavalry Girl with 55kg at $10. Before that 3rd in a small field in a Bm100 at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1000m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Cavalry Girl with 53kg at $4. Very game mare but this will be too tough. | |||
2026 Moir Stakes – Speed Map Snapshot
A fast, forward‑rolling Moir Stakes tempo is on the cards at Sandown Hillside on Saturday, with two natural flyers drawn to spear across and ensure this 1000m sprint is genuinely run. The long, rising straight at the track means early pressure will sort them quickly before the big closers launch late — a very different race shape to the traditional Moonee Valley dash.
Leaders: No. 9 Cavalry Girl, No. 13 Natural Fling
Expect both to punch forward and take up the running. Natural Fling may cross from the wide alley while Cavalry Girl uses her tactical speed to hold a prominent spot. They shape the early burn and control the race’s first half.
On‑Pace / Applying Pressure: No. 12 Bazaball Rewarded
A $34 shot at time of publish, slides across to sit just behind the leaders, keeping the tempo honest and ensuring the front pair don’t get it all their own way.
Midfield Group: No. 2 Rothfire, No. 3 Skybird, No.5 Ole Dancer
A strong stalking wall perfectly placed to strike if the leaders overcook it. Queensland award winner Rothfire maps ideally, Skybird blends in beautifully, and Ole Dancer gets the right trail to build momentum from the 400m.
Off‑Midfield: No. 4 Generosity, No. 6 Geegees Mistruth
Both settle just behind the main pack, close enough to blend in and look for gaps once the sprint goes on.
Off‑Pace: No. 11 Extragalactic (11)
The early Moir Stakes market mover gets back and hunts runs late; becomes more dangerous if the leaders apply too much early heat and could present a late threat fresh with a budding record.
Backmarkers: No. 1 Giga Kick, No. 7 My Gladiola, No. 8 Point Barrow, No. 10 Hearcomesthestar
A deep line of swoopers with plenty being kept safe in betting who will relish Sandown’s long straight. Giga Kick is the standout late threat, while the others look to flash home if the tempo is strong enough.
Speed Map Verdict
A genuine, pressure‑laden Moir Stakes tempo looks likely, with our roughie pick of the lot Cavalry Girl and race favourite Natural Fling ripping forward while the potentially underrated improver Bazaball Rewarded keeps them honest. The midfield trio stalk perfectly, while a powerful wave of backmarkers — led by the highly-rated Giga Kick — will be charging late down the Hillside straight. It’s a classic Sandown 1000m race shape: early burn, mid‑race sorting, and a long line of closers ready to pounce.
What Wins the 2026 Moir Stakes?
Sandown 1000m sustained‑speed specialists: With the Moir temporarily shifted to Sandown Hillside during the Moonee Valley redevelopment, the race now favours sprinters who can build and maintain momentum down the long rising straight rather than those reliant on sharp cornering. Horses proven at true 1000m sustained speed — not just Valley-style jump‑and‑run pressure — hold a major edge.
Best Bets: No. 13 Natural Fling, No. 9 Cavalry Girl, No. 2 Rothfire
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2. Rothfire (1)
J: Brad Rawiller 58.5kg
0170xT: Robert Heathcote
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| First-up. Finished off last campaign second last of 18 at Eagle Farm in the G1 Stradbroke June 13 over 1400m, on heavy track; 8 len behind Spicy Martini carrying 56.5kg at $21. First up last campaign second last of 11 at Rockhampton The Archer Sw+P May 5 over 1300m, 5.5 len behind Yellow Brick with 57.5kg at $13. Old warrior, not sure he’s sharp enough for this. | |||
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9. Cavalry Girl (5)
J: Craig Williams 56.5kg
12111T: Tom Dabernig
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| On a three run winning streak. Most recently favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.5 len in the G3 Carlyon Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1000m in the wet defeating Bazaball Rewarded carrying 56kg at $2.30. The race before that favourite; won by 4 len at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1000m in soft going defeating Along The River with 53kg at $2.80. Flying at this trip, can measure up. | |||
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13. Natural Fling (13)
J: Jamie Melham 50kg
12×1T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy
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| Second-up. First-up after three months favourite; scored a big 4 len win in the G3 Quezette Stakes at Caulfield on August 15 over 1100m on a soft track defeating Scintillation carrying 56kg at $2.40. Previously second-up ran on from midfield; 2nd of 12 in a Mm Nat 2yo SW at Gold Coast on May 22 over 1000m, slow going 1.5 len behind The Next Episode carrying 55kg at $3.10. Very good filly, looks capable of raising the bar against the older horses. | |||
Elite first‑up sprinters with genuine Group 1 talent: The Moir often rewards high‑class sprinters resuming, and that trend should continue at Sandown. Horses with strong fresh records, explosive acceleration and proven Group 1 ability are perfectly suited to a track that lets them wind up and unleash late.
Best Bets: No. 1 Giga Kick, No. 2 Rothfire, No. 3 Skybird
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1. Giga Kick (9)
J: Mark Zahra 58.5kg
5420xT: Clayton Douglas
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| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation tenth of 13 at Randwick in the G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m, 4 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $9. When resuming last campaign fifth of 8 at Flemington in the G1 Lightning February 14 over 1000m, 2 len behind Tentyris carrying 58.5kg at $3.50. Class gelding who will be rattling home over a trip short of his best. | |||
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2. Rothfire (1)
J: Brad Rawiller 58.5kg
0170xT: Robert Heathcote
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| First-up. Finished off last campaign second last of 18 at Eagle Farm in the G1 Stradbroke June 13 over 1400m, on heavy track; 8 len behind Spicy Martini carrying 56.5kg at $21. First up last campaign second last of 11 at Rockhampton The Archer Sw+P May 5 over 1300m, 5.5 len behind Yellow Brick with 57.5kg at $13. Old warrior, not sure he’s sharp enough for this. | |||
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3. Skybird (12)
J: Ben Melham 56.5kg
3070xT: Mitchell Freedman
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| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of three-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign 13th of 16 at Eagle Farm in the G1 K-Smith Cup May 30 over 1300m, soft track; 4.5 len behind Headley Grange carrying 57kg at $21. First up last campaign fifth of 9 at Randwick in the G2 Challenge March 7 over 1000m, 2 len behind Generosity with 56.5kg at $12. Wants it wet, has the ability on her day. | |||
On‑speed runners with tactical control: Sandown’s 1000m doesn’t punish leaders the way Moonee Valley can — if anything, clean, controlled speed can be very dangerous. Horses who can cross, settle and stack them up before kicking again at the 400m often prove hard to reel in.
Best Bets: No. 9 Cavalry Girl, No. 13 Natural Fling, No. 12 Bazaball Rewarded
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9. Cavalry Girl (5)
J: Craig Williams 56.5kg
12111T: Tom Dabernig
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| On a three run winning streak. Most recently favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.5 len in the G3 Carlyon Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1000m in the wet defeating Bazaball Rewarded carrying 56kg at $2.30. The race before that favourite; won by 4 len at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1000m in soft going defeating Along The River with 53kg at $2.80. Flying at this trip, can measure up. | |||
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12. Bazaball Rewarded (3)
J: Teo Nugent 56.5kg
12732T: Kelvin Southey
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| At the latest run sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 8 in the G3 Carlyon Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1000m, in the wet; 0.5 len behind Cavalry Girl with 55kg at $10. Before that 3rd in a small field in a Bm100 at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1000m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Cavalry Girl with 53kg at $4. Very game mare but this will be too tough. | |||
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13. Natural Fling (13)
J: Jamie Melham 50kg
12×1T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy
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| Second-up. First-up after three months favourite; scored a big 4 len win in the G3 Quezette Stakes at Caulfield on August 15 over 1100m on a soft track defeating Scintillation carrying 56kg at $2.40. Previously second-up ran on from midfield; 2nd of 12 in a Mm Nat 2yo SW at Gold Coast on May 22 over 1000m, slow going 1.5 len behind The Next Episode carrying 55kg at $3.10. Very good filly, looks capable of raising the bar against the older horses. | |||
Fit, in‑form sprinters already deep into their prep: While many Moir favourites resume, the race can tilt toward those with a fitness edge, especially at Sandown where sustained speed matters. Horses with recent wins, strong sectionals and proven ability to absorb pressure are major dangers to the fresh stars.
Best Bets: No. 9 Cavalry Girl, No. 13 Natural Fling, No. 12 Bazaball Rewarded
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9. Cavalry Girl (5)
J: Craig Williams 56.5kg
12111T: Tom Dabernig
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| On a three run winning streak. Most recently favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.5 len in the G3 Carlyon Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1000m in the wet defeating Bazaball Rewarded carrying 56kg at $2.30. The race before that favourite; won by 4 len at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1000m in soft going defeating Along The River with 53kg at $2.80. Flying at this trip, can measure up. | |||
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12. Bazaball Rewarded (3)
J: Teo Nugent 56.5kg
12732T: Kelvin Southey
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| At the latest run sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 8 in the G3 Carlyon Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1000m, in the wet; 0.5 len behind Cavalry Girl with 55kg at $10. Before that 3rd in a small field in a Bm100 at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1000m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Cavalry Girl with 53kg at $4. Very game mare but this will be too tough. | |||
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13. Natural Fling (13)
J: Jamie Melham 50kg
12×1T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy
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| Second-up. First-up after three months favourite; scored a big 4 len win in the G3 Quezette Stakes at Caulfield on August 15 over 1100m on a soft track defeating Scintillation carrying 56kg at $2.40. Previously second-up ran on from midfield; 2nd of 12 in a Mm Nat 2yo SW at Gold Coast on May 22 over 1000m, slow going 1.5 len behind The Next Episode carrying 55kg at $3.10. Very good filly, looks capable of raising the bar against the older horses. | |||
Backmarkers with a booming late finish: Sandown Hillside is one of Australia’s best tracks for swoopers, and the 2026 Moir sets up beautifully for a horse who can drop out, blend in, and launch down the long straight. If the leaders overcook it, the closers will be coming — fast.
Best Bets: No. 1 Giga Kick, No. 7 My Gladiola, No. 8 Point Barrow, No. 10 Hearcomesthestar
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1. Giga Kick (9)
J: Mark Zahra 58.5kg
5420xT: Clayton Douglas
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| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation tenth of 13 at Randwick in the G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m, 4 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $9. When resuming last campaign fifth of 8 at Flemington in the G1 Lightning February 14 over 1000m, 2 len behind Tentyris carrying 58.5kg at $3.50. Class gelding who will be rattling home over a trip short of his best. | |||
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7. My Gladiola (6)
J: Jamie Mott 56.5kg
2047xT: John Mcardle
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| Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation seventh of 13 at Morphettville in the G1 Sangster April 25 over 1200m, 2 len behind Geegees Mistruth with 54.5kg at $9. First up last campaign second of 8 at Flemington in the G1 Lightning February 14 over 1000m, 0.8 len behind Tentyris with 54kg at $7. Looks forward enough after a recent trial win. Sharp mare with the peaks at 1000m to win. | |||
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8. Point Barrow (10)
J: Daniel Stackhouse 56.5kg
x515xT: Anthony & Sam Freedman
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| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign fifth of 13 at Morphettville in the G1 Sangster April 25 over 1200m, 0.7 len behind Geegees Mistruth with 54.5kg at $7.50. When resuming last campaign fifth of 13 at Caulfield in the G1 Oakleigh Plt February 21 over 1100m, 4.5 len behind Tropicus carrying 50kg at $2.60. Talented but will give them a big start. | |||
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10. Hearcomesthestar (11)
J: Beau Mertens 56.5kg
x331xT: John Moloney
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| First-up. Finished off last preparation by 1.5 len Caulfield LR Bel Esprit May 30 over 1100m in the wet defeating Bustling with 54kg at $4.40. When resuming last campaign third of 12 at Bendigo Bm84 May 2 over 1100m, 2.5 len behind Stoli Bolli carrying 59kg at $9. This is too tough. | |||
Market confidence & sharp trials: Firmers in Moir Stakes betting often reflect stable intent, sharp trials and favourable maps — and the market historically reads this race well. Horses attracting strong early support usually run right up to expectations.
Best Bets: No. 11 Extragalactic
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11. Extragalactic (2)
J: Ethan Brown 56.5kg
1122xT: Trent Edmonds
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| Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign second of 14 at Morphettville in the G1 The Goodwood May 9 over 1200m, soft track; a nose behind Desert Lightning carrying 50kg at $3.50. Previous preparation first-up favourite; to post a big 3.5 len win. Pakenham Bm62 March 12 over 1000m defeating Honor Galore carrying 57.5kg at $2.60. Talented, look for her charging through late. | |||
The 2026 AJ Moir Stakes is shaping as an absolute ripper, and with the race shifting to Sandown Hillside this year, punters are in for a fresh twist on one of spring’s most explosive Group 1 sprints. Whether you’re siding with the lightweight filly with the hype, the Everest hero launching late, or the on‑speed roughie flying under the radar, this Moir has all the makings of a thriller for the ages. Strap in, study the speed map, trust your gut, and get set for a cracking 1000m dash as we kick off the elite sprinting season in style.
Happy punting!
Latest AJ Moir Stakes 2026 Odds
| 1. Giga Kick (9) J: Mark Zahra 58.5kg 5420xT: Clayton Douglas | |||
| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation tenth of 13 at Randwick in the G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m, 4 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $9. When resuming last campaign fifth of 8 at Flemington in the G1 Lightning February 14 over 1000m, 2 len behind Tentyris carrying 58.5kg at $3.50. Class gelding who will be rattling home over a trip short of his best. | |||
| 2. Rothfire (1) J: Brad Rawiller 58.5kg 0170xT: Robert Heathcote | |||
| First-up. Finished off last campaign second last of 18 at Eagle Farm in the G1 Stradbroke June 13 over 1400m, on heavy track; 8 len behind Spicy Martini carrying 56.5kg at $21. First up last campaign second last of 11 at Rockhampton The Archer Sw+P May 5 over 1300m, 5.5 len behind Yellow Brick with 57.5kg at $13. Old warrior, not sure he’s sharp enough for this. | |||
| 3. Skybird (12) J: Ben Melham 56.5kg 3070xT: Mitchell Freedman | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of three-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign 13th of 16 at Eagle Farm in the G1 K-Smith Cup May 30 over 1300m, soft track; 4.5 len behind Headley Grange carrying 57kg at $21. First up last campaign fifth of 9 at Randwick in the G2 Challenge March 7 over 1000m, 2 len behind Generosity with 56.5kg at $12. Wants it wet, has the ability on her day. | |||
| 4. Generosity (7) J: Jye Mcneil 56.5kg x156xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign sixth of 13 at Morphettville in the G1 Sangster April 25 over 1200m, 1.75 len behind Geegees Mistruth carrying 56.5kg at $3.90. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by nose Randwick G2 Challenge March 7 over 1000m defeating Marhoona with 56.5kg at $10. Sharp mare who looks well placed, keeping very safe. | |||
| 5. Ole Dancer (8) J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg x230xT: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| Resuming. Finished off last preparation 12th of 14 at Rosehill in the G1 Coolmore March 14 over 1500m, 8 len behind Lazzura with 55kg at $7. When resuming last campaign second in a small field at Flemington in the LR Desirable Stks February 14 over 1400m, 2.25 len behind Sass Appeal with 59.5kg at $2.70. Don’t think she’ll be sharp enough. | |||
| 6. Geegees Mistruth (4) J: Blake Shinn 56.5kg 0721xT: Mark Walker | |||
| Resuming after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign by nose Morphettville G1 Sangster April 25 over 1200m defeating Bridal Waltz carrying 56.5kg at $31. First up last campaign third of 7 at Caulfield in the LR W.J. Adams January 24 over 1000m, 0.8 len behind Way To The Stars with 57kg at $4.20. Good mare, can be hitting the line. | |||
| 7. My Gladiola (6) J: Jamie Mott 56.5kg 2047xT: John Mcardle | |||
| Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation seventh of 13 at Morphettville in the G1 Sangster April 25 over 1200m, 2 len behind Geegees Mistruth with 54.5kg at $9. First up last campaign second of 8 at Flemington in the G1 Lightning February 14 over 1000m, 0.8 len behind Tentyris with 54kg at $7. Looks forward enough after a recent trial win. Sharp mare with the peaks at 1000m to win. | |||
| 8. Point Barrow (10) J: Daniel Stackhouse 56.5kg x515xT: Anthony & Sam Freedman | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign fifth of 13 at Morphettville in the G1 Sangster April 25 over 1200m, 0.7 len behind Geegees Mistruth with 54.5kg at $7.50. When resuming last campaign fifth of 13 at Caulfield in the G1 Oakleigh Plt February 21 over 1100m, 4.5 len behind Tropicus carrying 50kg at $2.60. Talented but will give them a big start. | |||
| 9. Cavalry Girl (5) J: Craig Williams 56.5kg 12111T: Tom Dabernig | |||
| On a three run winning streak. Most recently favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.5 len in the G3 Carlyon Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1000m in the wet defeating Bazaball Rewarded carrying 56kg at $2.30. The race before that favourite; won by 4 len at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1000m in soft going defeating Along The River with 53kg at $2.80. Flying at this trip, can measure up. | |||
| 10. Hearcomesthestar (11) J: Beau Mertens 56.5kg x331xT: John Moloney | |||
| First-up. Finished off last preparation by 1.5 len Caulfield LR Bel Esprit May 30 over 1100m in the wet defeating Bustling with 54kg at $4.40. When resuming last campaign third of 12 at Bendigo Bm84 May 2 over 1100m, 2.5 len behind Stoli Bolli carrying 59kg at $9. This is too tough. | |||
| 11. Extragalactic (2) J: Ethan Brown 56.5kg 1122xT: Trent Edmonds | |||
| Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign second of 14 at Morphettville in the G1 The Goodwood May 9 over 1200m, soft track; a nose behind Desert Lightning carrying 50kg at $3.50. Previous preparation first-up favourite; to post a big 3.5 len win. Pakenham Bm62 March 12 over 1000m defeating Honor Galore carrying 57.5kg at $2.60. Talented, look for her charging through late. | |||
| 12. Bazaball Rewarded (3) J: Teo Nugent 56.5kg 12732T: Kelvin Southey | |||
| At the latest run sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 8 in the G3 Carlyon Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1000m, in the wet; 0.5 len behind Cavalry Girl with 55kg at $10. Before that 3rd in a small field in a Bm100 at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1000m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Cavalry Girl with 53kg at $4. Very game mare but this will be too tough. | |||
| 13. Natural Fling (13) J: Jamie Melham 50kg 12×1T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months favourite; scored a big 4 len win in the G3 Quezette Stakes at Caulfield on August 15 over 1100m on a soft track defeating Scintillation carrying 56kg at $2.40. Previously second-up ran on from midfield; 2nd of 12 in a Mm Nat 2yo SW at Gold Coast on May 22 over 1000m, slow going 1.5 len behind The Next Episode carrying 55kg at $3.10. Very good filly, looks capable of raising the bar against the older horses. | |||
2026 Moir Stakes Big Bets Tracker
Track the big money Moir Stakes 2026 bets this weekend and see what potential The Everest-bound horses the punters are coming for in the opening top-level sprint of the spring!
AJ Moir Stakes FAQs
The AJ Moir Stakes is a Group 1 1000m sprint traditionally run at Moonee Valley, but in 2026 it shifts to Sandown Hillside due to the Valley’s redevelopment.
This year’s Moir Stakes takes place on Saturday, September 5, 2026. It takes place in Melbourne on the same day Sydney hosts its Chelmsford Stakes Day card which features four Group 2 races including the $1 million Concorde Stakes which is another key The Everest lead-up race.
The race will be held at Sandown Hillside, offering a long straight and a sustained‑speed race shape instead of the usual tight Valley circuit.
The Moir Stakes is run over 1000 metres under weight‑for‑age conditions.
Moonee Valley is undergoing major redevelopment, so the Moir temporarily relocates to Sandown for 2026.
At Sandown, the race favours sustained‑speed sprinters, proven 1000m specialists, elite first‑up performers and strong late swoopers who can build momentum down the long rising straight.
Lightweight filly Natural Fling heads the market after her explosive Quezette Stakes win at time of publish.
Former Everest hero Giga Kick looms large fresh, while Cavalry Girl is the on‑speed roughie flying under the radar.
Expect a fast, forward‑rolling tempo early before the big closers launch late — a very different shape to the traditional Moonee Valley pressure dash.
Ladbrokes offers full Moir Stakes fixed‑odds markets, Same Race Multis, exotics and live betting on race day.
Yes — Ladbrokes form analysists are tipping Giga Kick Top 2 and Cavalry Girl Top 3 for their recommended SRM play for 2026.
All live markets, price moves and betting insights are available at Ladbrokes Australia.