Trainer Peter Snowden admitted that Friday night's group 1 $500,000 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley will give a significant insight to his sprinter Russian Revolution taking its place in the rich $10 million Everest next month in Sydney.
Snowden said that Russian Revolution would start in the 1000-metre sprint, which promises to be one of the strongest sprint races this spring.
"Sure the Everest is still on the agenda but he still may stay here and run in the Manikato [Stakes], but at the end of the day, Friday's race will help us work out what path we'll take," Snowden said. "He's very fit and has worked really well since his last win at the Valley a few weeks ago."
Russian Revolution was very impressive three weeks ago when he easily accounted for his rivals over 1000 metres but Friday night's race will be a lot tougher.
"All group 1s are tough. I haven't seen an easy one yet. But I'm happy with his condition," he said.
Sydney sprinters Terravista and Ball Of Muscle, from the Joe Pride stable in Sydney, could make the trip across the border for the weight-for-age event.
Terravista has been a regular visitor to Melbourne in past seasons and has always performed well.
Trainer David Hayes will start his flying race mare Sheidel in the Moir, with the trainer turning to blinkers for the first time on Friday night.
"She's done very well. In fact I've got some outstanding sprinters at the moment and I just thought a pair of blinkers might just improve her racing habits after she failed at Caulfield last time," Hayes said.
Hayes has booked world champion jockey Joao Moreira to ride the mare who earlier this year easily took out the group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield.
Trainer Robert Smerdon confirmed that his sprinter Ability will be a starter in the Moir following his effortless win at Sandown six weeks ago.
"I can't fault his trackwork but at the same time we're going to run into a very tough race but his last two runs entitle him to be there on Friday night," Smerdon said.
Chris Waller, the man who prepares world champion mare Winx, could be in Melbourne on Friday night with his sprinter Japonisme, who's also performed well in the past when in Melbourne.
Another interstate visitor will be talented Perth sprinter Rock Magic from the Chris Gangemi stable.
Rock Magic could well follow in the footsteps of other gift sprinters to make an impact on the eastern seaboard such as Vega Magic and Black Heart Bart.
Other likely entries will be local sprinters Super Cash, Ocean Embers and high-class sprinter Malaguerra.
