Saturday's feature race of the day sees the return of Group 1 racing in Victoria.
The 1400m Memsie Stakes at Caulfield is set to provide many answers regarding the spring claims of interstate stars and All-Star Mile winners, Mystic Journey and Regal Power.
After lacklustre showings first-up in the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence at this track and trip, the two 1600m Group 1 winners will be looking for much improved efforts and many will be willing to forgive.
The depth to this race makes for a wide-open affair.
South Australian raider Behemoth looks to stake his claims as a genuine sprinting/middle distance talent, after a superb first-up romp over Dalasaan in his home state.
But the chances don't end there. Godolphin mare Savatiano steps out in pursuit of his maiden Group 1 win, and faces similar opposition to that faced when winning the P.B. Lawrence.
Meanwhile, the Grant and Alana Williams trained Arcadia Queen is looking to deliver on her huge potential.
There's no shortage of genuine winning chances in what looks to be a phenomenal clash of our premier open class gallopers.
The Caulfield track is currently rated a Soft 7 but with sunny skies and warm weather predicted for Friday and Saturday in Melbourne, we look set to be racing in the Good 4 range.
With the rail in the true position and improving conditions, expect those horses in the first half of the field to hold an advantage. This will be even more pronounced for those runners who can find the rail, roll forward and dictate.
Jackson has tipped 4 winners from his last 8 selections!
Below is his analysis and tips for the Group 1 Memsie Stakes.
Get his full set of selections for Saturday racing in his race day package here.
The Map
With word that the Daniel Bowman trained, Begood Toya Mother (14), is out to inject speed into the race, expect a genuine tempo that could bring the on-speed brigade undone.
Unlike the P.B. Lawrence which mapped to be a sit and sprint, the tempo here will benefit the likes of Regal Power (1) who can show more tactical speed and assume a more forward position in the run.
Watch the likes of Nonconformist (16), Sirrconi (15) and Streets Of Avalon (8) to press forward with Begood Toya Mother, and allow for the likes of Arcadia Queen (6), Savatiano (5) and Behemoth (10) to run-on from further back.
Analysis & Tips
1st Behemoth
I'm confident in the chances of the South Australian raider, who attains the services of Craig Williams here second-up.
He's yet to taste Group 1 success but has matched motors with the likes of Sunlight, Gytrash and Arcadia Queen, albeit with numerous factors in the run going against him.
He's drawn in barrier 2 which will allow Williams to take up any position he pleases, and with a solid tempo up front he can sit midfield or better with cover.
He looks ready to progress to the 1400m and with luck in running, I can't see a scenario where he isn't figuring right in the finish.
2nd Arcadia Queen
Stuck on fairly before giving a strong kick late in the P.B. Lawrence, when resuming from an extended injury layoff.
Despite looking to have every chance in the run, she failed to go with gun fresh galloper Savatiano and on-pace performer Sirrconi.
She's drawn wide here in barrier 13 and will go back to find cover, off a hot tempo.
Look for Lane to present her with a blistering run out wide and away from trouble.
3rd Savatiano
Everything mapped in her favour in the P.B. Lawrence first-up, where she was able to take a forward trail along the inside rail before pulling out to finish the better of Sirrconi.
She was the clear beneficiary of the sit and sprint tempo that defined the race, and led to key chances such as Regal Power and Mystic Journey disadvantaged back in the field.
She once again has winning claims but the way this race is shaping from a speed perspective, she won't get the favours from barrier 11.
4th Cascadian
Was slow away before settling at the rear, spotting the leaders 8-lengths last start in the P.B. Lawrence.
He then proceeded to make significant ground up the inside to finish fourth by 2.4 lengths, in what was the run of the race.
His barrier manners continue to let him down but if he can step clean and be slightly more forward, he can put in a bold showing.