With multiple starters in some races, the premiership-winning trainer is poised for a strong day at the office.

And the best Weir chance looks to be Big Duke (race 6 No.6), who romped in on Boxing Day at Caulfield and faces fairly similar company in this event .

Big Duke has had just three starts in Australia but his victory at Caulfield showed that he's set to make a significant impact during the autumn.

Getting the jump

In the same race as Big Duke, keen jumping fans will be keeping a close eye on the Gai Waterhouse-trained Valediction, who has his first start in Melbourne this summer.

While Valediction is rated an 80-1 chance, the tough gelding is being primed for another preparation over the jumps and is likely to be seen at his very best come the first week in May at Warrnambool.

However, Valediction could be a place hope as the horse is commencing his preparation first-up over 2040 metres.

Dream run

No doubt the most honest and reliable galloper at Moonee Valley on Saturday will be Crystal Dreamer, who's yet to be beaten in this preparation, in the Sprint Handicap.

The sprinter just seems to get stronger following wins at Werribee, Sandown and Caulfield and the opposition at Moonee Valley on Saturday is fairly similar to what he's encountered since coming back from a break.

Drawn in barrier two, Crystal Dreamer (race 7 No.2) appears in good shape again.

Invincible?

And the strong Paddy Payne stable seems certain to get the day started well with Invincible Al in the opening race.

The three-year-old has had no luck in his past three outings, which included two strong placings at Flemington. With the allowance for young apprentice Beau Mertens, he looks ideally placed.

Life after Josh

A little bit of normality will come back to Adelaide racing on Saturday following the disgraceful ride of Josh Cartwright in the final event at Morphettville last Saturday.

While Cartwright has pleaded guilty to reckless riding, hopefully that incident is overshadowed by the return of the state's leading rider Clare Lindop.

Lindop, who was married last Sunday week, has a strong book of six rides in SA on Saturday but the best of them could be the highly promising Strategic Demand (race 7 No.2), who is heading for a third success in a row in the Insurance Handicap.

Strategic Demand, who has impressed at his past two wins, could head to Melbourne if successful again on Saturday.

South Australian gallopers who have crossed the border of late have established a strong winning record and if his winning form stands up Strategic Demand will be a player in the rich Autumn carnival.