What a race to kick off the first Group 1 of the Victorian Spring Carnival. The market identified four key winning chances, and at the 200m mark any of them could have won. Some huge performances to come out of the race, with majority of these having much bigger targets ahead. Plenty to review and discuss below!




 

(Pictured) Mr Brightside winning the 2023 Memsie Stakes
 

Race Overview (Track Pattern/Sectionals):
 

This race was run at a slow tempo to the 600m mark, meaning those back in the field had an impossible task to get into the race. With the majority of horses in the market settling up near the speed, they were always going to be fighting out the finish.
 

Amenable ran the quickest last 400/200m of the entire day, with some big splits late from these star horses. The inside of the track was clearly inferior, so horses who made runs on the inside/settled rails in run can be bonused further.
 

Key runner comments:
 

Mr Brightside: Not much to say here that you don't already know. Was tough as old boots sitting three wide the trip and still having the audacity to kick late and win. Looks to have come back even better and still improving with each run. Will head to the Maykbe Diva next over 1600m at Flemington.
 

Princess Grace: Two huge runs from this mare. Arguably has made both her runs on the worst part of the track, and still only gone down narrowly both times. Has a big race in her this prep, maybe the Epsom next for her?
 

I Wish I Win: Never easy first up 1400m when you are being trained for The Everest. I must admit, at the 200m when Nolan peeled him out off the fence, I thought he was going to go straight past them. Looked like he gassed out the last 200m. Apparently is going straight into the Everest off this run.
 

Alligator Blood: As honest as they come. Sat outside the leader and definitely had every chance to win, however will come on huge from this. Heading to the Maykbe Diva 2nd up, and with Annavisto retired, he could get complete control of that race out in front. Huge chance.
 

Amenable: An eye catching run from the back of the field. Kah said he slipped out of the barriers which is never ideal, absolutely flew home last 400m running the best splits of the day. Was held up at a crucial stage and made his run on the worst part of the track. Look out Toorak Handicap 1600m.
 

Ozipenko: Looks a horse crying out for more ground and a stronger speed. Was left a bit flat footed when the sprint went on, but still managed the 3rd fastest last 200m of the meeting. Will meet majority of these again in the Maykbe Diva, will be an EW price and wouldn't completely shock.
 

Nonconformist/Bank Meur: Both look on track for races over ground. Impossible for them to get into the race given the slow tempo. Great first up prep building run.
 

Final Thoughts:

With the slow tempo early, this will be a great pipe opener/prep building run for most of these. Was a jog to the 600m then a sprint home which is perfect platform for most of these horses. 

Would expect Mr Brightside, Alligator, Ozipenko all to clash again in the Maykbe. With Amenable going to the Toorak (pray for futures players) and Princess Grace likely Epsom. Plenty of winners to come out of this no doubt.

King 👑

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