McKenzie Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

Most of these are resuming and have shown talent so there is a fair bit to learn but also plenty of chances headed by the favourite Foujita San who has a mountain of upside & has run time on the clock. Crosswinds continues to win and Mark Zahra will be doing the steering. Let’srollthedice showed a stack of talent last prep and can measure up to these while Manhattan Thunder and Fast Witness are both good roughies. There should be good speed engaged here.

1. Let’srollthedice (8)

Has a stack of talent and was ultra impressive last prep with the form standing up since. The map is awkward from barrier 8 but Damian Lane is a very good jockey. This race is more than within reach fresh.

2. El Padrino (5)

Might struggle if the rain comes but did plenty of good things last prep and the booking of Jamie Kah is eye catching given the amount of talent in this field. A weather watch will be crucial to its chances.

3. Crosswinds (7)

Done nothing wrong winning both starts last prep in solid company. The map is slightly awkward from barrier 7 but Zahra sticks which is a positive sign and even luck in running should see Crosswinds hard to hold out.

4. Shalaman (4)

Chased home Alpha One last start and that horse was far from disgraced last weekend so I like the form. Was beaten a fair way by Alpha One however that run was more than a pass mark for this and barrier 4 should ensure every possible.

5. Foujita San (3)

Very exciting galloper last prep and hard to ignore the 6 length win in open company. A recent trial was rock solid and drawn perfectly here in barrier 3. In no rush to dive into short odds but also very hard to beat.

6. Latvian (9)

Solid efforts last prep and is a winner at the track which is a big tick here. The map and draw are both sticky but it has solid enough claims here fresh.

7. Manhattan Thunder (6)

Great run last start with a few things against and brings in some race day fitness which some of these don’t have. Maps okay from barrier 6 and overall this is a winnable race. Solid chance.

8. Fast Witness (10)

Brings in some strong form, it’s just a matter of getting the right steer from the tough draw. The stable are on fire and they look to have another promising one here. Keep very safe and respect any market moves.

9. Chester Warrior (2)

Great chance off the back of a strong win last start. Chester Warrior maps to perfection and its run on the clock was good. Up a decent amount of depth here but confident it can measure up. Top 4 contender.

10. Fasuto (1)

Prefer in something a little easier and may get buried from the draw with its running style.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
5 Foujita San	3 Crosswinds	5 Foujita San
3 Crosswinds	1 Let’srollthedice	1 Let’srollthedice
1 Let’srollthedice	5 Foujita San	4 Shalaman
9 Chester Warrior	9 Chester Warrior	3 Crosswinds

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	8 Fast Witness
2nd	4 Shalaman	0.1 length
3rd	2 El Pedrino	0.4 length
4th	5 Foujita San	1.9 lengths

The track was rated as Heavy 9.

Scratchings: 3. Crosswinds, 6. Latvian, 7. Manhattan Thunder, 10, Fasuto.