The widest barrier has not stopped group one winner Moment Of Change being installed an odds-on favourite to return to the winner's circle in the group two Australia Stakes.
Moment Of Change is the top-class runner in tomorrow night's 1200m weight-for-age event at Moonee Valley as he bids to win for the first time since his Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes success in the spring of 2012.
The Peter Moody-trained gelding wasn't able to crack it for another big race win last year but raced at the highest level and was consistent with four group one placings, including agonising seconds in the Newmarket Hcp and his most recent outing in the Winterbottom Stakes in Perth.
Jockey Linda Meech reunites with Moment Of Change in a race for the first time since their second to Black Caviar in last year's Lightning Stakes.
"I think that's probably why he's in the race. To get his confidence up and get a win under his belt before he heads into the autumn carnival."
Moment Of Change has the outside gate in the field of 10 but was the $1.65 favourite yesterday.
The sprinter's handicapper rating of 109 is 12 points higher than his nearest rival, second favourite Richie's Vibe who is on the second line of betting at $5.
Meech has won three from five on Moment Of Change and is looking to add to that, despite conceding the draw made things "a little tricky".
- AAP