This year's edition of the Mackinnon stakes does not disappoint, with a great mix of staying types engaged in an enthralling Group 1 contest.

Of note is the inclusion of two Derby runners (including the winner), who only last Saturday raced over the gruelling 2,500m course.

I am very happy to oppose both considering it would be a mammoth effort to back up and peak again for this.

The internationals have been stronger all carnival and there is no reason why they can't do it again here.  

 Flemington Track Traits

Flemington track conditions and exact rail position will be available closer to the jump as is always the case when the surface is in action for the Thursday Oaks meeting, which needs to be considered.

However on and up the rail has proved popular for riders at recent meetings and expect them to use this lane again.

Fine conditions are predicted for Saturday. 

 Racing Market Movers

There are no movers of note in early betting markets. 

 Key Runners

#3 Blair House $2.25

Just missed at last start when he ran second behind the smart Benbatl in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes.

That form is excellent for this and a similar effort would see him go very close.

He will be midfield with plenty of cover the entire trip and off a likely solid tempo set by Trap For Fools, there will be every opportunity to run home strongly. Leading hope.

#4 Trap For Fools $12

Will lead these on his ear and be very hard to get past as the rock hard fit horse in the field.

Last start in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, he bumped into a good one in Ventura Storm who just nabbed him on the line.

They ran along on that occasion and he will likely roll at a decent clip here, despite the fact that this race looks to have slightly less tempo.

Has the ability on his day to grind them into the ground and the fitness edge could be telling.

Looks great value at the current $13 in betting. Yes. 

#7 Latrobe $5 

Irish raider from the Joseph O'Brien yard who is dripping in class following Group 1 starts in his past 3, including a win and second placing.

He has the X factor and Team Williams do have a habit of holding a good one back for this particular race.

He will get back and need the speed right on up front to be a chance of powering home, however he certainly has the talent to be a factor.

Top chance if they go quick. 

#8 Shillelagh $7

Had all the luck in the world last start when J Mac took the rails run and pulled it off, to most punters' amazement.

Just feel that luck is a very rare event in her case, and being back against the boys here will be far too hard for her to overcome.

Looks massive unders and one the mugs will lock onto as a "last start winner". Avoid at all costs, no.

#9 Extra Brut $7.50

Derby winner from Saturday who drops back in distance for this and could still have one more good one in him.

Can't help but feel the ownership group are being a a little greedy here, backing him up following the testing 2,500m of the Victoria Derby. 

If they paid plenty to secure the horse however, they are entitled to recoup their investment as quickly as possible.

Happy to oppose based on the Derby back up factor, and they are a big chance of wrecking this horse running in this. No. 

Of The Others

#6 Octabello can run a huge race at odds here following excellent runs at his past two starts, where at the latest he was only 1.5 lengths off them in the Group 2 Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley.

He is up in class but looks to be improving at every run. Could surprise.