Track: Soft 5 Weather: Cloudy

With the early scratchings of Yellow Brick and Hatchet, 12 runners remain for the 2024 Imperial Racing Eye Liner Stakes, with 11 geldings and one mare. There are two 4YOs, four 5YOs, three 6YOs, two 7YOs and one 8YO. Three runners had their last start in the Group 2 Moreton Cup over 1200m at Eagle Farm on 8th June (won by Vilana), while the rest came via different races. Trainer Chris Munce has 2 runners.

The early favourite is Wategos who was runner-up in the Listed Spear Chief Handicap over 1500m at Eagle Farm on 8th June. Second favouritism is shared between Fancify who is chasing a hat-trick after wins at Caulfield and Flemington, and Jigsaw who was 3rd in the Moreton Cup. Blaze A Trail was 3rd in this race last year and resumes after 49 weeks. Rocketing By was 6 lengths 9th in the Moreton Cup while Military Expert has had 2 good runs in Melbourne this preparation. All other runners are currently over $17.

1. Yellow Brick (8)

scratched

2. Jigsaw (14)

Finished 3rd in the Group 2 Moreton Cup over 1200m at Eagle Farm on 8th June (won by Vilana). This is easier. One of the chances.

3. Blaze A Trail (7)

Was 3rd in this race last year and resumes after 49 weeks. Don’t dismiss.

4. Petronius (6)

Hasn’t shown much this campaign but should be fitter after 3 runs.

5. Rocketing By (13)

Was 6 lengths 9th in the Moreton Cup. Drawn wide and prefer others.

6. Sinawann (9)

This looks too hard.

7. Wategos (1)

Runner-up in the Listed Spear Chief Handicap over 1500m at Eagle Farm on 8th June and won the start before that. Can win.

8. Military Expert (10)

Has had 2 good runs in Melbourne this preparation. Place chance.

9. At Witz End (11)

Finished 10th in the Moreton but before that had 3 wins and 2 places from his previous 5 starts. Worth another chance.

10. Jetty (3)

Did nothing when resuming at Doomben and might need another run.

11. Military Gambler (2)

Has a good record at the track but prefer others.

12. Lost In Transit (4)

Not the worst.

13. Hatchet (5)

scratched

14. Fancify (12)

The only mare in the race. Chasing a hat-trick after wins at Caulfield and Flemington

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips
7 Wategos
3 Blaze A Trail
14 Fancify
2 Jigsaw

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	9 At Witz End
2nd	5 Rocketing By	0.96 length
3rd	7 Wategos	2.19 lengths
4th	6 Sinawann	2.54 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 1. Yellow Brick, 8. Military Expert, 13. Hatchet.