The first Group 1 race of the year is upon us, and the Memsie Stakes (Caulfield, 1400m, WFA) has attracted a field of evenness and depth but is lacking in star power that previous editions may have had.
It’s not really a field that screams Group 1 weight-for-age racing, highlighted by the fact that Boban is the clear market-elect, despite being a horse than only has one win and one placing in his last 11 starts.
Boban holds favouritism off the back of a strong Queensland winter, where he won the Doomben 10,000 first-up over 1350 metres, the first time trainer Chris Waller had resumed him over seven furlongs instead of six.
His best has always been competitive at the elite level, but he has often failed to produce it. Perhaps the secret to consistent success has been unlocked. From a good barrier, he should take up a position just worse than midfield, or perhaps better, and Glyn Schofield, who has partnered the horse to so much success, will be looking to unleash that dazzling sprint late.
Volkstock’n’Barrell was the horse backed in early markets, down from healthy double figure odds to second favourite. We saw his class in the autumn, taking out the Rosehill Guineas, and he’s yet to run a bad race in his career.
Blake Shinn might get caught in a sticky situation jumping from barrier 11 or 12, but if he can get the horse into a nice position, he might be the one they all have to beat. Connections have indicated he’ll get back, but pushing forward from the gate might be the winning move.
Hi World is the most lightly raced horse in the field, and will likely vie with Entirely Platinum for the lead or take a sit just behind him from an inside gate.
Hi World put together a string of B-grade wins in the Sydney wet over autumn, but obviously has to find another level now, graduating to WFA racing as a four-year-old.
The Hawkes camp is making the right noises about Entirely Platinum, and he’s usually at his best early in a campaign. He split Dissident and Mourinho in the Orr Stakes at this track and distance when first-up back in February, and that run would likely have him in the mix here.
Stratum Star caught the eye first up, chewing up the ground from a clear last to only finish a couple of lengths behind Setinum in the Regal Roller. He’s a consistent galloper that maps well if they go forward from the middle barrier. He gives the impression that he might just be ready for this sort of challenge.
Setinum accelerated well to put away that Regal Roller field, and has obviously improved into his four-year-old year. He’s only had nine starts, so is still untapped and looks well over the odds at around $41, especially compared to Stratum Star at the $10 mark.
Weary races in Melbourne for the first time, and can be a bit hit or miss, but will enjoy a little bit of moisture in the ground. He’s been Group 1 placed a few times since coming to Australia, but doesn’t win out of turn. He’ll go right back from barrier 16, and have to pass a lot of good horses to win.
Rising Romance is a good mare and can pull out a big fresh run first up. She can make her presence felt running on from a midfield position as she aims toward the bigger races.
There are a few veterans in the race that must be kept an eye on.
Happy Trails ran second behind Sincero in 2012, but these days usually runs into a midfield finishing position, and we can expect more of the same in his fourth crack at the Memsie.
Temple of Boom will be camped just behind the speed, and will give his usual honest account before finding at least one or two a bit too classy for him.
Smokin’ Joey maintained his enigmatic relationship with punters in the PB Lawrence Stakes, finishing last as favourite after having won the Bletchingly in barn-storming fashion. He’s always a threat, usually when you least expect it.
Sertorius appeals as a sneaky place chance at bigger odds, with a strong first-up record in good races. His short autumn campaign showed he still had the zest for racing after a disappointing spring.
Petrology looks to be outgraded at this point in his career, but can run into the top six. Magicool will need to make the progression to WFA racing after an autumn where he won a few races, culminating in the Queensland Derby. He’s a watch runner.
Dandino and Prince of Penzance will need further, but connections will be hoping for them to be hitting the line strongly.
Selections
1. Volkstok’n’Barrell
2. Entirely Platinum
3. Stratum Star
4. Rising Romance
Three-year-old racing in Melbourne and Sydney takes place with the McNeil Stakes and Run to the Rose respectively, and we can expect both Golden Rose and Caulfield Guineas markets to be shaped by both races.
The Mick Price pair of Prince of Brooklyn and Ready for Victory are sharing most of the attention down south, while it’s Japonisme, Exosphere and Press Statement north of the Murray.
Prince of Brooklyn might just be the best of these, and could go all the way to take out a big race this spring.
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