Capacity field expected for $1m Memsie Stakes

Hey Doc is one of a host of Group One winners expected to take part in a capacity field for the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield.

With prize money doubled to $1 million, the first Group One race of the Australian season on Saturday is likely to have a field of 16 plus four emergencies running over 1400 metres.

Champion trainer Darren Weir will nominate four horses on Monday including last year’s winner Black Heart Bart.

His others entries will be Tosen Stardom, Gailo Chop and Humidor.

Lindsay Park is likely to have two runners, Vega Magic and Seaburge, with Grand Rosso also expected to be among nominations.

Also named as likely runners are Le Romain, Yankee Rose, Jon Snow, Hey Doc, Ability and I Am A Star.

Tony McEvoy took advantage of the chance to gallop Australian Guineas winner Hey Doc between races at Moonee Valley on Saturday in preparation for the Memsie Stakes.

The four-year-old, a first-up winner of the Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on August 12, had a leisurely stroll over 1200m.

McEvoy described Hey Doc as being a little casual in his attitude but said it would enable him give the gelding another gallop during the week to bring him to his peak.

“I had the opportunity to work him with company but I was worried he might just go the other way and be a bit keen,” McEvoy said.

“I elected to trust him and he did enough.

“He was a bit casual out there but I’ve got seven days before the Memsie now and I can give him another piece of work.

“This was all about determining whether I needed to and I think I will now.

“He used himself well, had a bit of fun and I think we’ve got a lot of benefit out of it.”

Luke Currie partnered Hey Doc in the gallop and has the ride on Saturday.

Racing Victoria’s executive general manager of racing Greg Carpenter said the Memsie was shaping as a stellar race.

“It looks like it will be a capacity field, 16 plus four emergencies,” he said.

“Hopefully it will be a field full of Group One winners.”