or-age

HISTORY

First run in 1976 over 1000 metres when it was won by Scamanda. Upgraded to Group One status in 2013.

From 2007 to 2014 run at 1200m but back to 1000m this year.

The honour roll lists some of Australia' greatest sprinters including Manikato (1982), Placid Ark (1987), Schillaci (1992), Falvelon (2000), Miss Andretti (2007), Apache Cat (2009) and Black Caviar (2010 and 2011).

TALKING POINTS

Dual Moir Stakes winner Buffering is striving for his third win in the race. Now an eight-year-old, Buffering won in 2012 and 2014 and finished second in 2013.

If Ball Of Muscle is successful he will become the fourth member of his family to win a Group One race. He will join his siblings out of the mare Parfore - Tiger Tees, Terravista and Singapore champion Super Easy.

Petits Filous and Fontiton have a weight advantage and will carry just 51kg.

If Buffering wins he will join Black Caviar and Takeover Target as the only Australian sprinters to earn more than $5 million.

RACE PATTERN

In a race packed with leaders the speed will be on. Unbeaten filly Petits Filous and veteran Buffering are drawn alongside each other in five and six with Ball Of Muscle on the fence.

KEY COMMENTS

"He's really good over the short course and deserves a crack at a Group One." Ball Of Muscle's trainer Joe Pride.

"He likes Moonee Valley and has won the Moir twice." Buffering's trainer Robert Heathcote

"It's going to be a cracking race." Fontiton's jockey Craig Williams