September 9 is shaping up as a spring-defining day for the Paul Preusker team

Preusker pair Valley-bound

<p>September 9 is shaping up as a spring-defining day for the Paul Preusker team with Poison Chalice set to join Steparty on the float to The Valley.</p><p>While Preusker's Caulfield Guineas hopeful was put through his paces in a Stawell jumpout on Wednesday, he was upstaged by his stablemate, who put in another breathtaking performance to win at Ladbrokes Park Sandown.</p><p>Poison Chalice is unbeaten from two runs this preparation and will look to extend his streak when he tackles a Benchmark 70 1600-metre contest next.</p><p>"He has a great will to fight," Preusker said.</p><p>"I just can't wait to see him in a fast-run race.</p><p>"I know the horse, he has a good cruising speed and has a good 400 metres in him but we've never seen anything but 100 metres.</p><p>"He got galloped on and cut the fetlock a little bit and lost his shoe in the run."&nbsp;</p><div>&nbsp;</div><p>A $350,000 Gold Coast Yearling by Savabeel, Preusker is eyeing off a start in the $500,000 Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Series Final on Oaks Day as the horse's goal this preparation.</p><p>Poison Chalice holds a Cox Plate nomination and has shortened into $61 from an opening quote of $201.</p><p>Steparty is full steam ahead to the Listed Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) on the same Valley program after finishing third in his jumpout on Wednesday.</p><p>"He come through it really good," Preusker said.</p><p>"Nice little hit-out, relaxed off them a bit and worked through the line cuddled up."</p><p>Preusker also jumped out Queen Elizabeth placegetter Captain Envious, who his trainer said appears sharper this preparation. He will jump out again before returning to the races.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="mf-player-container" id="embedded-player"><div style="display:block;max-width:960px;position:relative;">&nbsp;</div></div>

<p>The Valley will once again play host to a leg of the National Pony Racing Series, with the Victorian event set to take place on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, Saturday 22 March.</p><p>A collaboration between Pony Club Australia and Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), the series is designed to educate young riders on careers in the racing and breeding industry, giving them a taste of professional competition on major racedays.</p><p>The series features six race meetings across Australia, culminating in the national finals in June. Before the Victorian leg, Ballarat hosted a Jumpstart weekend, where participants received riding instruction, horse health education, career insights, and rider fitness training.&nbsp;</p><p>In preparation for their big moment on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, competitors will also take part in a training day at The Valley to familiarise themselves with the track.</p><p>On Saturday, two pony races will be held for state finalists aged 9 to 15. The first, over 450m at 11:30 am, is for ponies not exceeding 12.2hh, while the second, over 700m, is for ponies not exceeding 14hh. That event will take place following Race 3 on the card at 1:30 pm.&nbsp;</p><p>Moonee Valley Racing Club has enjoyed its association with TIC and Pony Club Australia, providing young riders with the opportunity to gain experience on a major racing stage. The Valley hosted a leg of the first National Pony Racing Series in 2023, and last year on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day held a Shetland Pony Race.</p><p>With the next generation of riders set to take centre stage once again, The Valley looks forward to another thrilling chapter in this growing series.</p>

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