The new racing season begins in style on Saturday with the running of the Group 1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield.
A strong support card includes the McNeil Stakes, The Heath 1100 and the Cockram Stakes, ensuring a quality program for the opening of the spring carnival.
Wet weather in Sydney could see high-profile horses diverted south, with Fangirl and Manaal among those considered likely to travel for the meeting.
The Memsie has attracted a star-studded list of nominations featuring Antino, Mr Brightside, Tom Kitten, Another Wil, Private Eye, Fangirl, Buckaroo, Knight’s Choice and Treasurethe Moment.
Several runners from the P.B. Lawrence, including Pinstriped, Here To Shock, Evaporate, Moira, Anisette and Desert Lightning, are also set to line up.
Ben Melham continues his partnership with Tom Kitten, now with the Freedman stable, while Damian Lane returns aboard dual Oaks winner Treasurethe Moment.
Chris Waller has called on Mark Zahra to guide Fangirl in her first Caulfield assignment.
Likely Field for the Memsie Stakes
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Kitten | A & S Freedman | B Melham |
| 2 | Mr Brightside | B, W & JD Hayes | C Williams |
| 3 | Private Eye | J Pride | |
| 4 | Antino | T Gollan | B Shinn |
| 5 | Another Wil | C Maher | J Melham |
| 6 | Buckaroo | C Waller | |
| 7 | Pinstriped | E Jusufovic | B Allen |
| 8 | Here To Shock | B, W & JD Hayes | |
| 9 | Knight’s Choice | J Symons & S Laxon | R Dolan |
| 10 | Deakin | P Stokes | |
| 11 | Evaporate | B, W & JD Hayes | |
| 12 | Fangirl | C Waller | M Zahra |
| 13 | Moira | C Waller | |
| 14 | Anisette | C Waller | |
| 15 | Zardozi | C Maher | |
| 16 | Treasurethe Moment | M Laurie | D Lane |
