Track: Heavy Weather: Showers

Nine sprinters have accepted for the $300,000 McEwen Stakes.  Five of them are past winners at this track and five of them are first up.  The early favourite in the betting is Portland Sky.  His second to Masked Crusader in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes in March reads well for this and he has trialled up well in recent weeks.  The second favourite is September Run.  She finished fourth in the William Reid Stakes and is well drawn in barrier seven for the inform Craig Williams.

Esta La Roca is rock hard fit and loves racing at Moonee Valley.  The Inferno has jumped out well in between runs and is unbeaten second up.  Wisdom Of Water had his last start in the Moreton Cup at Eagle Farm on June 5 while Bold Star is five from eight over this distance.  The remaining runners in the race are longer than 20-1.

1. The Inferno

Former Singapore galloper who weakened to finish sixth first up at Caulfield.  He has jumped out really nicely in between runs at Mornington and could be a big improver coming back to the 1000 if he handles the conditions.

2. Ashlor

Finished second in this race last year and loves racing at this track.  Consider for multiples.

3. Portland Sky

Exciting four year old who progressed quickly from maiden grade to Group 1 level in his first preparation.  He dead heated in the Oakleigh Plate, then ran a good second here behind Masked Crusader in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes.  Rates highly first up.

4. Bold Star

Resumer.  This six year old brown gelding has seven wins and nine placings from his thirty-two race starts and always races well at this level.  Could set up well for him if the speed is on and they are able to make up ground.

5. Wisdom Of Water

Four year old entire trained by Annabel Neasham at Wawrick Farm.  He comes back to the races after a short spell.  Maps to get a soft run in transit but is unproven in wet conditions.

6. Fine Dane

Returned to form with a 1000m win at Sandown on August 11.  Goes well at Moonee Valley but this is tougher.

7. Sir Kalahad

Comes back from 1300 to the 1000.   He is fit and racing well but may be outclassed here.

8. September Run

Talented mare who likes to get back and storm home in her races.  She ran a huge race at Flemington first up over this distance last preparation, then put in another terrific run against the pattern here third up in the William Reid Stakes.  If they are making ground then she is a key winning chance.

9. Esta La Rocca

Speedy customer who has finish in the top three at all four runs this preparation.  I thought here run here a fortnight ago was excellent, when second to Ballistic Lover.  Each way chance.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
3. Portland Sky	3. Portland Sky
9. Esta La Roca	9. Esta La Roca
1. The Inferno	8. September Run
5. Wisdom Of Water	1. The Inferno

The track was rated as Soft 6.

Scratchings: – nil

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1. The Inferno
2nd	3. Portland Sky	1 length
3rd	8. September Run	1.1 lengths
4th	9. Esta La Roca	1.85 lengths