This Friday night, January 22, Moonee Valley will host the next exciting race meeting of the 2010 Melbourne Autumn Carnival, headlined by the highly anticipated Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m).

Despite the $200 000 stakes, a paltry field of only five horses are engaged to start in the sprint feature, following the scratching of the Mick Price-trained Heart Of Dreams due to an inconsistency in his blood picture.

The clear favourite at the short odds of $1.45 with Sportsbet is Black Caviar. The Peter Moody-trained filly, now starting from barrier four, is considered a shoe in for a win following her succession of four unbeaten starts.

The only other horse gaining much attention from the punters is Here De Angels, currently at $3 for a win. Prepared by Melbourne Cup winning trainer Mark Kavanagh, the Christmas Stakes winner will start from barrier three with Michael Rodd aboard.

The field of five also consists of Standish Handicap winner Royal Ida, the Dale Sutton-trained La Rocket in barrier one and Ferocia, the long shot at odds of $151 due to be ridden by Craig Williams.

View up-to-date Australia Stakes odds here.

The Essendon Mazda Australia Stakes will take place as race six at the meeting’s eight-race programme.

2010 Australia Stakes Final Field & Preview: