WA Day Plate Preview

Matt Rigby | Metropolitan Racing | Fri 1 June, 2012

The feature on Saturday's card, the WA Day Plate, is not even a $50,000 race....so one could argue its not even the feature, even though it carries the name of the holiday it was dedicated to? In any case, it is a trophy race and a pretty good race at that.

Solsay has a cloud hanging over it and will have to overcome blood tests to even start. Despite this, it has firmed from $6 to $4.60 on most books. Diener has rated this horse perfectly for his last two wins, punching out good enough time not to be outsprinted. She has had very little pressure however at those two starts and will have to cross Dante's Diamond here. If Dante's hands up the easy lead, Solsay must be a strong chance again. Caves Road will be the favourite and has rarely flattered first up. This time, without a trial, the $3.60 on offer is under the odds although he is a very good horse on his day.

Alternatively, Moneghetti is a demon first up. He failed in his first ever race, then blotted his record last campaign with two poor runs. Outside of that, he has never been beaten first up. The three marble is a slight concern as he will probably drift back, but if Mallyon can get him off heels early enough, he can blow this open.

Dante's Diamond is dropping in class. If he decides to kick up and hold out Solsay, I give him less chance than if he hands up and sits third the fence. If the latter happens, he's a good winning chance and it will probably leave Kens Double in the breeze.

Miss Tipsy Topsy had well documented viral issues last campaign. Her trial was average and I cant make any sort of case for her at this trip and first up. Timely Reign had no luck last time out and is capable of upsetting here, as is Follow The Road, but again the one barrier is a concern.

Moneghetti is the big value in this race. He gets in well at the weights with Mallyon aboard, goes extremely well first up, and trialed well. Dante's Diamond and Caves Road for the minors. Solsay can definitely win with the right run, but I'll leave him out with a few question marks this week.

Suggested Bet: Moneghetti each way at the $7 available.