GROUP 1 MEMSIE STAKES
Sydney kicked things off in style with Anamoe taking out the first Group 1 of the new racing season and now Melbourne gets its opportunity to shine bright - hopefully the sun does the same!
On this week's edition of Horsepower - presented by MyRacehorse, we preview the $1 million Memsie Stakes brings together a star-studded group of gallopers, but many are first up, presenting punters with more problems than solutions.
Alongside the 1400m Group 1, Caulfield will play host to the Cockram Stakes for the sprinting mares and the McNeil Stakes for the progressive three-year-old boys. Both six furlong events look excellent races on paper!
MEMSIE STAKES (1400m, Group 1, $1,000,000)
Western Empire, I'm Thunderstruck, Tofane, Cascadian and Duais - all Group 1 champs and all resuming here over the 1400m at Caulfield.
For a mare like Tofane, that could be a perfect recipe for success. For a veteran like Cascadian or a horse with grander plans like I'm Thunderstruck, who knows how things play out!?!
What we do know is this will be a truly run, even contest with a bunch of winning chances. I would probably only rule out a few at the bottom of the market as winning chances and for those putting a quaddie together, you best throw in 7-8 runners - to be safe(ish).
Alligator Blood gets the ownership change and now gets to race in Victoria and he will take some beating in his new silks. He should get a nice trip and will be the one with added race fitness, although the stable did say he ideally would've had a jump out in readiness.
Cascadian trialled like a beast, Mick Price says I'm Thunderstruck is ready and Tofane is a 1400m Caulfield star! And then there are the West Aussies who will tell you Western Empire is the best horse in the west or the east.
What a race!
I'll be backing a couple at 10/1 or longer.
TIP - I'M THUNDERSTRUCK and/or TOFANE $8+
This week's best bets: (Last week Profondo landed us something each way and Zapateo was a winner for my charity bet. The other two picks were scratched.
CAULFIELD
Race Five - Number Six: AFT CABIN ($3) Smoked them at Sandown and you get the feeling he's a real tidy colt. He's short enough but anything above 2/1 on race day will do me. Could belt them... or could be overhyped off a Wednesday win.
Race Six - Number Three: GENERATION ($5)
Flying machine fresh up and has prepped up nicely for this. Missed Moonee Valley wet and comes here primed. Cam stalk In The Boat from his perfect alley and be there at the line.
Race Seven - Number Eleven: CHAIN OF LIGHTNING ($5.50)
I love this mare and I reckon she's real good.
Provincial NSW form turned into Melbourne metro form and now she can go on. 4/4, as is Passive Aggressive but I am way more inclined to take 5/1 and money back rather than $2.50 or so with the favourite.
ROSEHILL
Race Six - Number Five - FIRE ($2)
The yard love this fella and he was favourite but wobbled and was beaten by the real smart mare, Chain of Lightning. Promising, developing and should handle these.
Race Nine - Number Nine - SPACEWALK ($8)
Threw the race away last time and now we are getting $8. Talented galloper who should do things right and be right there on an each was basis. Each way all day!
Race Ten - SHADES OF ROSE ($2)
Scared me off when she buck-jumped fresh up at $2 but has since been dominate at her past two.
Jumps from a BM78 to BM88 but she looks a really quality mare. A nice all-up option with Fire.
