Group 1 Memsie Stakes Preview
Video: Horse of the Year Dissident winning the Memsie Stakes in 2014.
(27 August 2015) Seven’s LIVE coverage of Australia’s major horse races returns Saturday from Caulfield and Rosehill racecourses with the first Group 1 of the season on 7TWO from 2pm.
The Memsie Stakes Preview
The running of the first Group 1 race of 2015-16 racing calendar commences at Caulfield on Saturday. The Group 1 $400,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Memsie Stakes over the 1400 metres, has a capacity field of 16 runners including six individual Group 1 winners.
From a punting perspective, bookmakers have been inundated with money for the Chris Waller trained Boban. Boban is a four time Group 1 winner who had a successful short stint in the Brisbane winter carnival. Winning the Doomben 10000 in May after resuming from a spell was an incredible training performance by Chris Waller and no doubt will have Boban at his best.
The early scratching of Fawkner, has thrown into calculations a few other runners with decent racing credentials all of which will be keen to chase after the riches of the Spring Carnival.
Happy Trails to be ridden by Glen Boss continues to improve with age, whilst four year old Kiwi Volkstock'N'Barrell will have admirers after his performance during the Autumn carnival in Sydney. Most astute racing judges are pointing on the likely improvement of Hi World. The Peter Moody trained bay four year old has only missed a placing once in its seven runs to date. Magicool had a great end to last preparation when taking out the Queensland Derby and can sprint well fresh. Emergency runner Stratum is expected to feature prominently in the race finish. The "eye catching" run from last week is still fresh in the mind of punters.
The Field
Happy Trails
Group 1 winner of the Mackinnon Stakes last season. Resumed with a 6th first-up at Morphetville and has performed well second-up. Expected to be in the finish.
Boban
The favorite for the race, who recaptured his form during the winter Brisbane carnival. Has drawn well and will be the punters elect to win.
Temple of Boom
Was not beaten far when resuming in the Missile Stakes behind the late Burbero. Should be forward enough to be on the pace. A chance to place.
Dandino
A runner likely to need more racing and a longer trip. Made an excellent debut in Australia when placing in the 2013 Caulfield Cup. Headed back overseas and had 4 runs since leaving Australian shores. Most recent run included a last start 4th behind Prince Bishop at Group 3 Level.
Smokey Joey
After putting two consecutive wins together, was most disappointing at his latest outing when finishing last to Mourinho over 1400 metres. Did win the Group 1 Goodwood at Morphetville last year in May.
Sertorius
Another runner with aims to perform later in the carnival. Has a decent record at this trip and is never far from the finish. Was making late ground when 6th in this race last year.
Weary
The wide draw may deter most from tipping this horse to win. Showers are being predicted in Melbourne for Saturday which may assist. Solid performance first-up in the Missile Stakes and the extra distance suits.
Prince of Penzance
Winner of the Mooney Valley Cup. Capable horse and is likely to be aiming for races further than 2000 metres.
Entirely Platinum
Ran well first-up last season in the Orr Stakes behind Horse of the Year Dissident. May be one of the leaders as there is no genuine speed in the race. Has performed well over this distance with 4 wins from 7 starts.
Volkstok’N’Barrell
Kiwi horse with proven ability at Group 1 level. Unbeaten at this distance, and will no doubt be aiming for the staying trips of the Spring carnival.
Magicool
2015 Queensland Derby winner who is resuming. Won at Listed level over this distance and is more than capable of springing an upset.
Petrology
Tested in this company, however likely to improve with a rain affected track. Best recent performance was when 3rd to Smokin’ Joey over 1200 metres in the Group 3 Bletchingly.
Hi World
Lightly raced, yet highly regarded by astute racing judges. Has won at Group 3 level, although yet to be tested in this company. Expected to be in the finish.
Setinum
Won at big odds at his latest outing in listed company when resuming from a break. Has a powerful finish and can’t be ruled out.
Rising Romance
Caulfield Cup placing last year at his only run at this track. Great mare that will improve with more racing.
Stratum Star
Emergency starter who gains a start after the withdrawal of Fawkner. Australian Guineas Group 1 placing behind Wandjina and Alpine Eagle back in March. Did best work late when finishing 7th only beaten two lengths at most recent run.
Trevieres, Pressing and Charmed Harmony are emergency runners that may gain a start with further scratchings.
Caulfield and Rosehill LIVE Saturday on 7TWO
(27 August 2015) Seven’s LIVE coverage of Australia’s major horse races returns Saturday from Caulfield and Rosehill racecourses with the first Group 1 of the season on 7TWO from 2pm.
Scobie Breasley medal winner Damien Oliver joins 7TWO’s coverage throughout the day to give us his opinion on the major races.
7TWO’s coverage will be hosted by Jason Richardson with expert analysis from Simon Marshall.