MOIR STAKES

$500,000, Group One, 1000m, weight-for-age at Moonee Valley

HISTORY

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

From 2007 to 2014 run at 1200m reverting to 1000m in 2015.

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), Black Caviar (2010, 2011) and Buffering (2012, 2014, 2015).

TALKING POINT

* Stablemates Nature Strip and Brave Smash are using the race as a lead-in to the $13 million Everest at Randwick on October 13

* Moir sprinters in contention for the last Everest slot include Viddora and to a lesser extent Ball Of Muscle and Houtzen

* Nature Strip is chasing his first Group One win at his 12th start - less than 12 months since making a winning debut on the Victrian provincial circuit

* Marks the start of the night racing season in Melbourne

WHAT SOME OF THE KEY PLAYERS ARE SAYING:

* "She's very good early in her prep and if she's ever going to figure in a Group One then this could be the one and I couldn't have her any better" - Houtzen's trainer Toby Edmonds

* "I think she's in really good order and she's ticked every box for mine up until now. I'm just hoping she has a smooth three days now leading into the race and whatever happens, happens but I think she'll be right in the thick of things" - Viddora's trainer Lloyd Kennewell