CHANCES TONIGHT AT THE VALLEY

Night runners for us at Moonee Valley tonight with The Commoner and Iowa Hawkeye competing.

The Commoner is the first to go in race five, the 14th heat of the 955m Challenge with Lachlan King aboard.

The five-year-old won at Moonee Valley two starts back then made some ground late in the straight over 955m at Moonee Valley and has pleased Mike Moroney since.

“I can’t fault her, her jumpout was solid and her work has been good so she is definitely in this with a shout,” Moroney said.

“The draw is a help, she’s a fast mare and these races are normally won by those on pace.

“We’re taking advantage of Lachie King’s claim and she will go around with the same weight she carried to win here over 1000m against the mares.

“She’s going to need a bit of luck in running but she does get some then I’m expecting her to be in the finish.”

Iowa Hawkeye (Pictured) runs in race six, the benchmark 64 handicap over 1600m with Jye McNeil aboard and jumping from barrier six in the nine-horse field.

Iowa Hawkeye finished second over 1400m last start at Pakenham and Mike Moroney is expecting another bold showing tonight.

“He’s as well as we can get him and his last piece of work on Tuesday was excellent,” Moroney said.

“The scratchings are a help and he’s drawn to be able to race on the speed.

“He’s in good form and I can’t fault him - with ordinary luck I expect him to go close to winning.”