Back to the Valley for the first Saturday meeting since the Cox Plate and hope the track is fairer than that day was.

It’s a dangerous practice betting against Darren Weir in any sort of races at the moment but especially in staying events. So we won’t start here.

A former European who has had both runs at Moonee Valley shapes the one to play again.

Master Zephyr has adapted to the tight track by placing then winning recently.

In the small field he can just land around midfield and get going at the school.

He drops 4kg to the limit weight and will be fitter again. Still a three year old, he has plenty of time to develop into a nice stayer.

Peter Moody’s mare Sino Eagle has each way prospects in the mares sprint handicap.

She took on some of those tough Winter series races and was around the mark but the key factor for her is that she flies fresh.

In five preparations she has finished 1st, 3rd, 2nd, 1st and 1st when resuming.

It is not a very strong mares race and for Moody to put Linda Meech on instead of an apprentice to get some relief not only speaks volumes for Meech’s ability but also the weight doesn’t fluster him.

MELBOURNE MAIL

BET OF THE DAY: Race 4 #5 Master Zephyr @ $2.50

EACH WAY PLAY: Race 3 #2 Sino Eagle @ $5.50