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2021 02 26

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Moonee Valley Racing Club respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land – the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation – and pays our respects to its Elders past, present, and emerging.

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Rising hoop gets ride on $1.28 pop at The Valley

Allen excited for Marabi opportunity

<p>Ben Allen admits it is with plenty of excitement he will arrive at The Valley on Friday night when he partners dominant debut winner Marabi in the $50,000 Sally Bruten Memorial Handicap (1200m).</p><p>The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained filly scored by no less than six-lengths at her first start and created quite the impression, so much so Sportsbet have installed her a $1.28 favourite in Race 2 tonight.</p><p>“I more just cuddled her into the straight and gave her a squeeze and she didn’t put them away in a couple of strides, but more just lengthened and kept getting stronger,” Allen explained.</p><p>“There looks a bit more pace tomorrow night but I don’t think she has to lead but she seems to jump well and take luck out of the equation so I’d expect to be in the first four.</p><p>Marabi clocked a time of 1.10.77 for the 1200 metres at Sportsbet Pakenham on February 11 with 1.11.12 the closest time run in three subsequent races.</p><p>“She has been the most dominant horse I’ve ridden in the past few months”</p><p>“The others look an even bunch and have been running well in easier races but she looks the standout in the race,” Allen professed.</p><p>“The stable didn’t talk her up too much in the pre-race, they were actually a little concerned about her running 1200 metres but she put that to bed.</p><p>“Matt Cartwright actually said to me before the race he had ridden her in some trackwork and given him a nice feel.</p><p>“I don’t think Moonee Valley will be an issue for her she jumped well and was on the correct leg the whole way the other night and quite professional.”<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong>WATCH: Marabi wins on debut at Sportsbet Pakenham</strong></p><div class="mf-player-container" id="embedded-player"><div style="display:block;max-width:960px;position:relative;"><div style="padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe style="bottom:0px;height:100%;left:0px;position:absolute;right:0px;top:0px;width:100%;" src="//players.brightcove.net/3461375237001/SJTK8W0sx_default/index.html?videoId=6231090908001"></iframe></div></div></div><p>A latecomer to the racetrack at four years of age, Marabi is a half-sister to VRC Oaks winner Aristia, with breeder Greg Perry of Greenwich Stud electing to keep and race this daughter of I Am Invincible.</p><p>“There are a few other regular riders that the stable could have chosen so I am really thrilled to maintain the ride,” Allen explained.</p><p>“I have been doing a bit of work for Ciaron and Dave and have been throwing me a bone so hopefully I can make the most of this opportunity.”</p><p>Another who has given Allen an opportunity to show off his skills at Flemington on Saturday is Danny O’Brien. Allen has been riding trackwork for the stable and been rewarded with It’sourtime and Grand De Flora this weekend.</p><p>Allen is also keen to reunite with the Philip Stokes-trained Sansom in the $160,000 G3 The TAB Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) who he has ridden to no less than seven wins.</p><p>“He is stepping up to 1400 metres and has been working quite well at home,” Allen said.</p><p>“He never runs a bad race but he has drawn wide so it is just if we use that good gate speed or try and get some cover which would be ideal.”</p><p>Having recently celebrated his 21st birthday, the start of 2021 had been good to Allen having ridden 14 winners for the calendar year.</p>

<p><strong>Construction of Trackside House and Stonepine House commences&nbsp;</strong></p><p>July marked another important milestone with the sod-turning ceremony held at Moonee Valley Park, which signalled the beginning of construction for Trackside House and Stonepine House. This ceremony was significant in the ongoing redevelopment project of our new community, accomplished in collaboration with our Development Partners: Hamton, Hostplus, ISPT, and builders Icon.</p><p>The commencement of Trackside House and Stonepine House stages signifies the culmination of Phase 1, and we are delighted to witness the progress of the project so far. These stages bring us closer to realising the vision of Moonee Valley Park, offering an exceptional living experience for our future residents. We eagerly anticipate the completion of these stages in 2025.</p><p>Trackside House will provide 204 apartments, offering a modern and luxurious lifestyle with breathtaking views of the track. Stonepine House will feature 122 apartments, blending contemporary design with the natural beauty of the surrounding parkland. Both developments will contribute significantly to the growth and vibrancy of our community.</p><p>We extend thanks to our Development Partners Hamton, Hostplus, and ISPT for their unwavering commitment and expertise throughout this journey.</p>

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