The 2026 AJ Moir Stakes will break new ground this Saturday, shifting away from its traditional home at Moonee Valley for the first time as the track undergoes major redevelopment.

Natural Fling is the young favourite in Moir Stakes betting to claim the Group 1 at just her fourth start. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

Sandown Hillside now plays host to one of Australia’s premier short‑course showdowns, and the move adds an intriguing new layer to a race long associated with high pressure, tight turns and pure speed.

Despite the venue change, the Moir has once again attracted a deep and diverse field of sprinters, headlined by an emerging filly, a proven heavyweight and a trio of in‑form mares looking to make their mark at Group 1 level.

The early attention has centred on Natural Fling, a lightly raced three‑year‑old who arrives with enormous hype after her explosive Quezette Stakes victory at Caulfield.

The daughter of Home Affairs has only three starts behind her but already shapes as one of the most exciting young sprinters in the country.

Her four‑length demolition fresh stamped her as a genuine talent, and despite drawing the outside barrier, she is expected to use her natural speed to cross and take up a forward position.

With a significant weight drop and proven form on soft ground, she has quickly become the headline act of this year’s Moir — and a potential history‑maker, with only two fillies having won the race in the past two decades.

Natural Fling currently pays $3.10 and firming to win the Moir through Ladbrokes.

Standing in her way is Giga Kick, the seasoned star returning for his seven‑year‑old debut and the only other runner under double-figures for the win at $4.50 at time of publish.

The former Everest champion has not been at his brilliant best in recent outings, but his autumn campaign still showcased flashes of elite ability, including a narrow second in the TJ Smith Stakes.

His recent trials suggest he is ready to fire fresh, and while 1000 metres is shorter than his preferred distance, Sandown’s long rising straight is expected to suit his powerful finishing burst.

Giga Kick will settle near the rear and look to build momentum from the 400m mark, a pattern that has served him well in past first‑up runs.

Another key player is Cavalry Girl, who arrives in outstanding form after stringing together three consecutive wins.

The Tom Dabernig‑trained mare has been thriving at the 1000m trip, producing dominant performances in Adelaide, Caulfield and Sandown.

Her latest victory in the Group 3 Norman Carlyon Stakes confirmed her ability to handle both heavy conditions and rising grade, and her record at the distance makes her one of the most reliable on‑speed runners in the field.

With veteran hoop Craig Williams aboard, she is expected to be prominent throughout and poses a genuine threat to the more favoured runners.

A trio of mares sit just behind the main chances and bring further depth to the contest.

My Gladiola resumes after a strong campaign last season, highlighted by her runner‑up finish in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes.

She has trialled well leading into her return and possesses the sharp sprint required to be competitive at 1000m, though her chances may hinge on how wet the track becomes.

Point Barrow, representing Anthony and Sam Freedman, also resumes and has shown she can produce strong fresh performances, including a solid Sangster Stakes run earlier this year.

She will settle back and look to finish strongly if the tempo is genuine.

Meanwhile, Extragalactic has been one of the early market movers, returning from a standout Adelaide campaign that included placings in both the Tobin Bronze and The Goodwood.

Her turn of foot and first‑up record make her a compelling late‑closing option.

Also in the field are several proven performers including Skybird, Generosity and Queensland’s Rothfire, each capable of producing a competitive run on their day.

With a mix of emerging stars, seasoned Group 1 performers and in‑form mares, the 2026 Moir Stakes promises to be a fascinating contest shaped by Sandown’s unique layout and the tactical decisions made early.

The AJ Moir Stakes is scheduled as Sandown Race 8 at 4:15pm (AEST) on Saturday’s 10‑race program, marking a historic moment for one of Australia’s most iconic sprint races as it takes flight at a new venue for the first time.

2026 Moir Stakes Field & Barrier Draw