The feature race at Moonee Valley tomorrow is the Group 3 Mckenzie Stakes. Leon Corstens trained Awesome Bro is the current favourite and has been the best backed runner in an open field. View our runner by runner preview and tips of the Mckenzie Stakes.
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1. GENERAL RIPPA
Won the Blue Diamond Prelude on debut at 16/1 before failing in the Blue Diamond proper and was then immediately spelled. His return to racing at Caulfield on the 28th July wouldn’t have had connections enthused as he finished last, beaten 12.2 lengths. It’ll be some form reversal.
Odds: $26.00
2. RUSAMBO
Finally broke his maiden status last start (seventh career start) by beating five rivals here at Moonee Valley three weeks back. The draw makes it awkward for him but no jockey is going better in Victoria than Vlad Juric at the moment with a 19% strike rate thus far this season.
Odds: $5.50
3. MAURY
Husson gelding from Patinack Farm that won two of four starts in his first prep – a Kilmore Maiden and Flemington Open. No trials for his return but fancy on the exposed form thus far, he’ll have his fair share of supporters in today’s event.
Odds: $6.50
4. AWESOME BRO
Kicked off his career by winning a Swan Hill maiden and backing that up with a win in town in a BM 68 event at Sandown. Trainer Leon Corstens is very rarely without a good horse in the yard and whilst it is early days with this bloke, he’s done all of ask of him to date.
Odds: $3.80
5. LIBERTY ROCK
Won a Kilmore maiden on debut before running second to All Too Hard in the Listed Talindert Stakes at Flemington in February. From gate four he’ll push forward and despite competing in no trials prior to this race, you’ve got to respect the Moody/Nolen combo.
Odds: $4.00
6. DOMINANT
Has only the one start to his name and that was a long neck second to Wales in the Listed Redoute’s Choice Stakes at Caulfield in April. He came from off the speed that day so it will be interesting to see if, from the inside draw, they ride him for speed early of let him find his feet and hope for so luck in the run. Either way, a repeat effort of his debut run will be him in with a good showing here.
Odds: $7.00
7. TENNESSE WILLS
Although his overall record doesn’t make for good reading – six starts for three thirds, he has been competitive in some handy races, including a third here at the Valley in the Listed St.Albans Stakes. Should get his chance from gate five and in a very open race, has claims.
Odds: $61.00
8. RIGHT TO ROAM
Starcraft colt who in his first prep, recorded a Bendigo Open win (1300m). The Pat Carey trained galloper hasn’t drawn well for his return to racing and expect that he’ll be in the second half of the field in the turn.
Odds: $51.00
9. GENERAL PEEKAY
General Nediym colt with Mick Price who had a trial in October last year but didn’t make his debut until July this year with a fourth (beaten 5) in a Caulfield Open event behind Planet Voyage (who ran well last week in town). At his next start, opened up nicely late for an easy 4.5 length win at Geelong on the synthetic track. From three he’ll push forward and displayed good qualities last start.
Odds: $8.50
10. ADJUSTER
Has two starts to his name – a sixth on debut in a Flemington Open and a better effort running fifth (at 100/1) in the Listed Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield. Hasn’t raced since February and no trial form to study – happy to see what he can produce here.
Odds: $41.00
OVERVIEW
A very open race with Awesome Bro at $3.80 the early favourite but no less than a further five runners under the $10.00 mark. Happy to take the favourite on with his wide draw and, around the 1200m Moonee Valley trip, much prefer to look for one that can settle a little closer. Liberty Rose ($4.00) fits the bill and hoping that no trial means Moody believes he’s ready enough for this first up. General Peekay ($8.00) can give a good account of himself and a similar case for Dominant at ($7.00) who should only need a touch of luck in run to make his presence felt.