Host Matt Stewart is joined by racing experts Adam McGrath & Chris Roots to talk all things Horse Racing this Spring Carnival, from the hottest talking points to their Best Bets and expert tips for every Feature Race. Tune in every week to get your weekly dose of ‘Bolting In’.
Matty Stewart is back alongside Adam McGrath and Chris Roots as the Spring Carnival continues to build momentum with Moir Stakes Day, where Australia’s premier speedsters clash over the lightning-fast 1000 metres. With the famous race temporarily moved to Sandown while Moonee Valley undergoes redevelopment, this year’s Group 1 feature brings together an exciting mix of proven Group 1 stars, emerging sprinters and horses looking to stamp themselves as major players for the rest of the spring.
The boys dive straight into the Group 1, where much of the attention centres around the returning Giga Kick, the former Everest winner and one of the country’s most accomplished short-course performers. The Clayton Douglas-trained star has trialled strongly leading into his return and looks set to launch another major spring campaign. The team discusses whether Giga Kick can immediately return to his brilliant best and remind everyone why he remains one of Australia’s elite sprinters.
Standing in his way is an intriguing group of challengers headed by the in-form Cavalry Girl, who arrives off a winning streak and comes into the race race-fit after another impressive performance over the course and distance. The Tom Dabernig-trained mare has continued to improve this preparation and now gets her opportunity at Group 1 level against the country’s best sprinters. The boys examine whether her fitness edge and early speed can make life difficult for the more established stars.
There is plenty of discussion around the exciting three-year-old Natural Fling, who takes on older horses after an impressive first-up victory and receives a significant weight advantage. The boys debate whether the talented filly can measure up against proven Group 1 performers this early in her career and whether she might be one of the emerging stars of the carnival.
To finish the show, the boys lock in their Best Bets and value selections, while identifying the runners they believe can emerge as genuine spring stars over the coming months. If you’re having a bet on Moir Stakes Day or looking to stay ahead of the major sprint storylines heading deeper into the Spring Carnival, Bolting In has everything you need for a huge day of racing at Sandown.