Caulfield Tips for the Memsie Stakes 27/08/22
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- Author: James BeesonAug 25, 2022 12:22 PM
- Photo: Getty
Classic Caulfield Group 1
Group 1 racing returns to Caulfield for the first time this season with the running of the Memsie Stakes.
This year's edition is stacked with high-quality gallopers, and provides punters with an excellent betting opportunity, being an extremely wide open field.
Danny O'Brien has a strong hand with his current favourite Western Empire, and will be expected to have the horse ready to go first up for prominent owner Bob Peters.
Alligator Blood will also provide plenty of interest following the lifting of his Victorian racing ban to run here for Waterhouse/Bott.
I'm with a class sprinter who has the perfect draw and won't spend a cent throughout running.
Track Assessment
The Caulfield track is currently rated a Heavy 8 with the rail in the True position for the entire circuit.
Fine conditions are predicted in Melbourne for race day on Saturday, with some showers predicted for Friday.
On-pace and close to speed profiles to be well suited.
As always refer to the early races for a good guide on track bias.
Caulfield Race 8 - Memsie Stakes 1400m (G1)
The Map 
I expect Lightsaber (6) to win the early speed battle and keep the pressure on throughout with Aligator Blood (3) possible cluttered up behind.
Other key chances, Illation (13) and I'm Thunderstruck (9) both profile to get back in the run.
The Favourite 
Western Empire ($6.00) could not have been more impressive in WA last season and arrives here for the new trainer, representing plenty of extra motivation.
First up is some risk against the crack field, however he does look brilliant and could blow them all away if right.
The map does look a touch awkward launching from gate 12, with some risk that he will be trapped wide throughout.
It will be very interesting to see what betting markets do with him late, and if the big syndicate money arrives you will know he is ready.
Watch betting.
Analysis and Tips 
I'm with Tofane who has the speed map favours from gate 3 and will receive a beautiful suck run midfield with plenty of cover throughout the race.
If the breaks come and given clear running late, she will be fighting out the finish here.
Western Empire is stacked with ability and arrives with some huge runs in the West under his belt.
The new trainer will be desperate to impress Bob Peters and with that motivation in play, look for him to fire first-up in Melbourne.
Lightsaber has a touch of quality and could take control from out in front.
While the last 100m will be high-risk, he can still give a decent kick and possibly hold on.
I'm Thunderstruck is all class and if they go warp speed he will be the one charging at them late.
The big risk is he is in for a long campaign and they may not show any intent here, which means he will need everything to go his way in terms of tempo to be winning.
I'm leaving Alligator Blood out, and believe he could be back, buried and unsuited from the inside draw, around a tight turning circuit.
1st Tofane
2nd Western Empire
3rd Lightsabre
4th I'm Thunderstruck
