Key facts about the G1 Moir Stakes

MOIR STAKES

$500,000, Group One, 1000m, weight-for-age at Moonee Valley

HISTORY

First run in 1976 over 1000 metres when it was won by Scamanda. Upgraded to Group One in 2013.

From 2007 to 2014 run at 1200m before reverting to 1000m in 2015.

The honour roll lists some of Australia’ greatest sprinters including Manikato (1982), Placid Ark (1987), Schillaci (1992), Falvelon (2000), Miss Andretti (2007), Apache Cat (2009), Black Caviar (2010 and 2011) and Buffering (2012, 2014, 2015).

THIS YEAR’S FIELD

Four of the nine horses are Group One winners with stars Chautauqua and Buffering owning 12 between them. Six of the runners in the race have won at Moonee Valley while Ball Of Muscle was runner-up in last year’s Moir.

TALKING POINTS

Nine-year-old Buffering is striving to win his fourth Moir Stakes. He was also second in 2013.

Chautauqua is the world’s highest-rated sprinter in 2016 and makes his season return chasing his sixth Group One win.

Blue Diamond winner Extreme Choice takes on older horses in his first start as a three-year-old.

Buffering, Chautauqua and Lucky Hussler are all Group One winners at Moonee Valley.

WHAT SOME OF THE KEY PLAYERS ARE SAYING

“He’s back at Moonee Valley where he always races well and we know he’s tough. The pattern of the race will be that Buffering goes forward and Chautauqua will be coming late” – Buffering’s trainer Robert Heathcote.

“You’d probably say he’s outclassed, but if you look at the times he’s running and the way he’s winning, he’s definitely worth a crack at it” – Redzel’s co-trainer Peter Snowden.

“It’s a very good race but I’m really happy with the way he’s going. He’s going to present there in really good order, the 1000 metres is going to be a bit short of his best but he’ll be charging late” – trainer Darren Weir on dual Group One winner Lucky Hussler.