Memsie Stakes 2023
Distance: 1400m | Conditions: WFA| Rail Position: True | Track Condition: Good 4
A neat little field assembles for the first Group 1 of the 2023/24 Melbourne Racing Season, as the Memsie Stakes takes place at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon. Mr Brightside is looking to back up his PB Lawrence win, while we also see the return of Alligator Blood, I Wish I Win and plenty more. The favourites in the market have all drawn the carpark, making for a really interesting tactical race. Let’s try find a winner!
Speed Map
The draw has really thrown a spanner in the works. Annavisto will roll forward from the inside while Alligator Blood will look to roll up on his outside. Craig Williams has a decision to make on Mr Brightside and whether he goes back, but should have a cart across with the Blood on his inside if he wants. Ospienko, I Wish I Win and Princess Grace should get a nice run in transit and be able to let down once they hit the turn.
Key Runners
1: 
Mr Brightside (15)
Left them for dead in the PB Lawrence last time out, was the perfect return and he looks primed for a big Spring. Draw hurts him badly on the corner at Caulfield and will require some magic from Williams if he’s to come up trumps.
Mr Brightside is a ⭐
He becomes the first horse since Tauto (1971-72) to go back-to-back in the P.B. Lawrence Stakes ✅@lindsayparkrace @CWilliamsJockey pic.twitter.com/D33iPmfL5d
— Racing.com (@Racing) August 19, 2023
2: 
I Wish I Win (1)
Can’t believe the support he’s received in early betting. Kathy Coleman has come out during the week and without knocking his chances, didn’t give him the most glowing assessment. If he can go 1400m fresh then five weeks into an Everest he’s a marvel horse, and with his grand final still a while away I’m staying clear.
3: 
Alligator Blood (14)
First up here and trials suggest he’s in for another big campaign. Like Mr Brightside the draw is a shocker, but he’s fit and got enough tactical speed to get across. Nice first-up record, tough and will be there in the finish.
4: 
Nonconformist (6)
Well over the odds in my opinion. Won the Blamey first-up earlier in the year and has genuine credentials at this level. Will see the best of him as he gets out deeper in the prep but should run better than the price suggests.
5: 
Aegon (13)
Underrated galloper. Kicked off the prep with a nice run in the PB Lawrence, closing off for third. Should be able to sit a lot closer for this and will be closing off late. Ticks plenty of boxes, one for the exotics.
7: 
Western Empire (9)
Went to the front in the PB Lawrence and never looked likely. Best is past him, as reflected in the price.
8: 
Bandersnatch (10)
Was huge in the All-Aged earlier in the year, closing off for a 3L fourth behind Giga Kick. Felt the pressure in the Regal Roller and pulled up lame, can forgive there. Repeating his All-Aged run here would put him right in the finish here.
9: 
Duke De Sessa (5)
Intriguing runner. Made serious headway in the Doncaster which was his first run on Aussie soil. Will most likely see his best as he gets out to a trip but can definitely measure up here. Market doesn’t agree.
10: 
Ospienko (2)
Colt with plenty of ability, which he showed in the Winx Stakes whacking away behind Fangirl. Drawn well and Waller seems to think he’s going pretty well so is a real knockout chance.
11: 
Bank Maur
Won the Alister Clark a few back then pulled up lame in the Australia Cup. Trialed nicely, ticks some boxes but happy to leave out. Not the worst.
12:
Ammenable
Showed some class in a nice win first-up where he did plenty of work but this is a big class rise. Doubt he’ll have much of an impact.
13: 
Princess Grace
The forgotten horse out of the Winx Stakes where she was just nosed out by Fangirl. Did less work heading to the inside but really made the most of it. Drawn really nicely to suit, has the tactical speed to take this on and run away with it. Shinn aboard a big tick.
14: 
Annavisto (4)
Good fresh horse but trials have been plain. Drawn to best effect and in the hands of an astute jockey. Front-runners drawn to the inside have done well in the Memsie historically but doubt he’s got the quality to see off some of these.
15: 
Steinem (8)
Won the Peter Young first-up last prep but is better over further. Happy to see her go round.
Betting Strategy
Alligator Blood will put the bit between the teeth and tough this one out, overcoming the wide alley. Also hard to go past Princess Grace EW after her impressive run in the Winx Stakes.
3: Alligator Blood: 2 unit on win
13: Princess Grace: 1 unit Each Way.
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