Big guns step out in the Memsie Stakes

Track conditions are likely to play an important role for the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained runners in Melbourne’s first Group 1 race of the season.

Price and Kent will saddle I’m Thunderstruck and Illation in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, the official opening of the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

The Caulfield track was rated a Soft 6 at acceptance time on Wednesday and may not be any worse than that come race day.

I’m Thunderstruck and Illation have had similar preparations as they have built to start their campaigns at Caulfield on Saturday.

They met in a recent jump-out at Cranbourne where Illation had the better of I’m Thunderstruck on heavy ground, but on a firmer surface at Caulfield on Tuesday morning, I’m Thunderstruck, ridden by Mark Zahra, was equally as impressive as his stablemate.

“I’m Thunderstruck is not a very good wet tracker, but he handled that OK and Illation, I’ve seen him trial on heavy ground, and he loves it,” Price said following Tuesday morning’s hit-out at Caulfield.

With Illation the ‘spruik horse’ being unbeaten in three runs, Price is aware of the task confronting the four-year-old on Saturday, but he is also well aware of the son of So You Think’s ability.

But at the same time, he does not want to undervalue the ability of I’m Thunderstruck who already has a Group 1 win to his credit and a placing at weight-for-age behind Zaaki.

“They worked on terms and if I had a guess, I’m Thunderstruck was going the better, I think, and Zahra gave him a big tick, but it’s an important race for Illation,” Price said.

“Zahra sat off Illation. He said when ‘I pulled him out, he was ready to explode’.

“There will be a lot of noise about Illation, but don’t under-estimate I’m Thunderstruck for one second.”

The race has attracted 14 runners including Group 1 winners Cascadian, Alligator Blood, Western Empire, Callsign Mav, Tofane, Duais and Snapdancer.

Western Empire opened the $5 favourite with TAB following the barrier draw with Illation second pick at $5.50 while I’m Thunderstruck was a $10 chance.