Group 1 racing is back in Melbourne this week with the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield highlighting what looks to be an outstanding card of racing. In Sydney, it’s off to Rosehill with the Group 3 Up and Coming being the feature.
Best Bet
El Rocko has been racing in superb form of late and the prospect of getting back on to his preferred wet ground makes him a tremendous bet here. The John McArdle trained gelding posted back to back dominant wins on wet tracks before getting narrowly beaten by the talented Military Expert last start. From barrier six the in-form Jamie Mott will give him every chance.
Recommended Price: $3.50
Confidence Level: 4.5/5
More Racing Tips
Hanaady gets out to 2000m for the first time here but she has had a solid grounding with three runs over a mile. Her form has been first class as well with two wins and a second from her last three starts. She handles all conditions and while this is a step up in grade, she can be confidently expected to make it.
Recommended Price: $5.50
Confidence Level: 3.5/5
Old Flame resumes from a spell and has been trialling very well. This is his second Australian prep, and it’s worth noting that he won his first start here at Sandown back in March, before going on to place twice including in the $500K The Coast at Gosford. He looks capable of going through his grades.
Recommended Price: $3.80
Confidence Level: 4/5
Aeecee Express led them all the way last start on the Kensington track and looks primed to do so again. The Waterhouse/Bott trained gelding is building a formidable record now with three wins from six starts. Expect Tim Clark to take him straight to the front from the inside draw and give nothing else a look in.
Recommended Price: $4.00
Confidence Level: 3/5
James McDonald has won the last three runnings of the Up and Coming Stakes and the champion rider can make it four with Basquiat. The Chris Waller trained colt is only resuming from a short break having last run in June, finishing 5th in the G1 JJ Atkins beaten less than a length. This looks a winnable race for the talented colt.
Recommended Price: $3.50
Confidence Level: 3.5/5
Graceful Girl hasn’t been seen since winning the 2021 Winterbottom, but she did it in such brilliant style that she looks capable of being competitive at the top level on this side of the Nullabor. Expect her to get back in the run, but Caulfield is one track where swoopers get their chance in sprinting races.
Recommended Price: $8.00
Confidence Level: 3/5
Snapdancer looks a great chance of recording her second Group 1 win. The mare is only coming off a short break relative to her key rivals and that fitness edge can prove decisive. She won the Goodwood in the late autumn off a similar break. From the good draw she should have no trouble finding the lead and she will take a lot of catching.
Recommended Price: $7.50
Confidence Level: 4/5
Check out Betseeker’s runner-by-runner preview of the Memsie Stakes here
Jimmy The Bear is racing in tremendous form and can step up to Listed grade here. The Patrick Payne trained gelding should sit outside No Effort, the likely leader, and hopefully be too strong late. With most of his rivals resuming from spells, the race fitness edge can prove decisive.
Recommended Price: $4.00
Confidence Level: 3.5/5
