Metropolitan Handicap dreams for bargain buy

The Chris Hyland stable is hoping Crabs can take another step towards a racing fairytale in Saturday’s Veolia Environmental Services Handicap at Moonee Valley. Hyland paid $2,600 for Crabs in 2007 but the gelding has belied his modest purchase price by earning more than $270,000 for connections and the trainer expects the 7yo to add to his nine wins. Racenet

Pressday to chase Melbourne Group I

Chris Waller is targeting a 1200-metre Group I at Flemington with his Group I-winning juvenile Pressday. The major spring goal for Pressday will be the Group I Coolmore Stud Stakes over 1200 metres on October 30. Racenet

Soggy Valley dampens Whobe

Jockey Michael Rodd is concerned that the possibility of a wet Moonee Valley track could diminish Whobegotyou's chances. "The track is a worry at this stage because he definitely is a much better horse on top of the ground," Rodd said. Daily Telegraph

Team Gai walks free after inquiry

Gai Waterhouse and her jockeys Nash Rawiller and Blake Spriggs have been cleared of wrongdoing in a dramatic inquiry. During a heated exchange with deputy chief steward Greg Rudolph, Waterhouse vigorously defended herself and the actions of stable riders as stewards probed to find any evidence of team riding. Daily Telegraph

Natural selection

Caulfield Cup favourite Moudre will rely on winning the Naturalism Stakes to gain a start in the race. Trainer Ciaron Maher said Saturday week's Naturalism at Caulfield, with the incentive of an automatic Caulfield Cup start for the winner, was the logical pathway. Herald Sun