Track: Slow Weather:Shower or two

Nine three year olds have accepted for the $160,000 Mitchell McKenzie Stakes.  Six of them are geldings and six are first up.  The Sydney trained Colt Hilal has been backed into favouritism in the early betting.  He resumes here off two Group 1 placings in the Autumn and will be ridden by the 2020 Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jye McNeil.  Next in the betting is Jigsaw.  He is a talented colt with a fitness edge on a number of key rivals here and gets the blinkers on for the first time.

Beldivian was strong late in his debut win at Bendigo and looks suited stepping out to 1200m.  He’s Xceptional has jumped out well leading in and has a second placing to his name at this track.  Daily Bugle has talent but may be looking for further, while Rock Artist is a last start winner here and will likely be ridden to find the front again.  The remaining runners are $20-1 or longer.

1. Jigsaw

Won well at Caulfield first up with the track pattern in his favour, then ran a slightly disappointing third here last start with the big weight.  Drops in weight for this assignment and gets the blinkers on.  One of the chances.

2. Daily Bugle

Daily Bugle won twice in his first prep and the stable thought enough of him to take him to Sydney to run in the ATC Sires Produce Stakes & the Champagne Stakes.  He was safely held in both those races but will be better for the experience.   Has talent but may find these a touch sharp first up.

3. Rock Artist

Rock Artist was dominant winning in maiden grade first up, then won again at this course last start in a strong on paced effort.  Likely to find the front here but I have some queries stepping out to 1200m.

4. Hilal

Resumer for team Hawkes.  He finished second in ATC Sires Produce Stakes & Champagne Stakes in his first prep and maps to get a lovely run from barrier five.  The class runner and the one they have to beat.

5. He’s Xceptional

Was dominant winning a Cranbourne maiden first up last prep before progressing to place twice in town.  Both trials have been good leading in and he should find a nice spot behind a generous speed.

6. Athelric

Athelric has one win from his five starts.  Prefer to see him here first up.

7. Frontman

Still a maiden but has trialled up nicely at Cranbourne leading into this and gets Jamie Kah in the saddle.  Knock out chance.

8. Beldivian

Closed off strongly to win a maiden at Bendigo on debut.  He was strong late there over 1100m and looks suited stepping out to 1200m.  Consider for multiples.

9. Smytzer

Smytzer was heavily backed at his Werribee debut in April and went onto win impressively after being stuck three wide the trip.  It wouldn’t shock to see him measure up here but he may be spotting them a big start from back in the field.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1. Jigsaw	4. Hilal
4. Hilal	8. Beldivian
6. Athelric	1. Jigsaw
3. Rock Artist	7. Frontman

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratchings: 7. Frontman.

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	5. He’s Xceptional
2nd	1, Jigsaw	0.2 length
3rd	6. Athelric	1.45 lengths
4th	2. Daily Bugle	2.2 lengths