2008 Memsie Stakes

The $200,000 Group 2 weight-for-age Memsie Stakes over 1400 metres at Caulfield was first run in 1899 and is one of Australia’s oldest feature races. This makes it surprising that the rail has been moved out 11 metres restricting the field to just 13 runners. The owners and trainers of the four good horses listed as emergencies must feel very frustrated.

The early favourite is Weekend Hussler who is odds on in the early market but should reach at least even money in this top quality field. He has superb form and is aiming for the Cox Plate in October. Second favourite in the early market is the Perth horse Scenic Blast who has a lot of supporters. He was second to Weekend Hussler in last years Caulfield Guineas and hasn’t missed a place since then. Scenic Blast will be ridden by Damien Oliver who won the Memsie in 1998 on Dane Ripper.

Maldivian is currently third favourite after coming third behind Light Fantastic at his first start this campaign. Fourth in the market is Alamosa who was fourth in the Liston and will be ridden by Steven King who won the race in 2005 aboard Makybe Diva. Next in the market is the brilliant mare Tuesday Joy and comeback horse Pompeii Ruler returning after over a year.

Mick Price has three runners and one emergency with Pompeii Ruler, Rubiscent, Alamosa and Gotta Have Heart (emergency) with Alamosa his best hope. An interesting runner is dual Group 1 winner Casual Pass who is having his first start for Peter Morgan after a break of over a year. Great horses have won the Memsie including Makybe Diva, Sunline, Rubiton, Manikato, Galilee, Lord (4 times), Rising Fast, Comic Court, Ajax and Phar Lap.

by Jo Jackson

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