Original tactics for Hayes colt in McKenzie Stakes

Brad Waters - Thursday August 24

The Lindsay Park team will go back to go forward again with talented three-year-old Muraaqeb in Saturday's Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.

Advertisement
Muraaqeb will resume in Saturday's Listed McKenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Muraaqeb came from last to score an impressive win on the Moonee Valley circuit in February before running sound placings in the Group III Black Opal Stakes (1200m) and the Listed St Albans Stakes (1200m) in March.

Muraaqeb raced closer to the speed in his latest two outings but co-trainer David Hayes said jockey Michael Walker would have instructions to revert to original tactics in the McKenzie Stakes.

"When ridden cold at the Valley at his first start he was exceptional," Hayes, who trains Muraaqeb in partnership with his son Ben and nephew Tom Dabernig, said in the weekly Lindsay Park preview.

"Then we rode him a bit closer a couple of times and he was serviceable.

"I think we'll ride him the way we rode him at his first run and hopefully we'll get his best form back

"But I am very happy with him and the way he has been trialling."

Muraaqeb is a $6.50 chance in Sportsbet's latest McKenzie Stakes market in which the stable's other runner Tycoon Dancer has drifted from $9 to $11.

However, Hayes said track conditions would determine whether Tycoon Dancer, a Caulfield debut winner in May, took his place in the in the $120,000 contest.

"He's a horse that doesn't like the wet and unless the track is a (soft) six or better, he'll saved for Caulfield (next Saturday)," Hayes said.

The Moonee Valley circuit was rated a soft (6) on Thursday afternoon.

Below is the full Lindsay Park preview of Saturday's runners.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Bittersweet Japanese Victory in G1 QEII Cup
Australian jockey Damian Lane has forged a great association with the Japanese trainers and took the ride on high class stallion Tastiera in the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday with happy results.
Sires With Winners - Sunday April 27
Here is the full list of 69 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Yulong Announce 2025 Fees
Yulong have announced their fees for a nine strong stallion roster for 2025 with Written Tycoon again listed as private and Alabama Express given an increase up to $66,000.
Ardalio Stakes Win Celebrated by Elsdon Park
Talented filly Ardalio has already done more than enough to take her place alongside her dam in Elsdon Park’s broodmare band, but there are expectations she can further boost her value next season.
Invincible Winner on Champions Day
He wasn’t racing in one of the G1 features at Sha Tin on Sunday for Champions Day, but this four year-old son of I Am Invincible is a horse on the up and destined for Black Type in Hong Kong.
Fav Beaten - Aussies Miss - Bowman's Bolter Wins Champions Mile
The Australian pair of Mr Brightside and Royal Patronage failed to fire but Hugh Bowman on a $90 outsider beat James McDonald on the odds-on favourite in Sunday’s Group I Champions Mile at Sha Tin.
$140,000 Wootton Bassett Sale-Topper Another 'Jenni'
A Wootton Bassett filly from Alma Vale topped a robust day of trade at the HTBA Yearling Sale that finished with “stronger than expected’’ figures across the board.
New Group Winner for Wootton Bassett
Mr Versatile as a sire, Coolmore shuttler Wootton Bassett (GB) gets fast juveniles, quality milers and a smattering of classy stayers including one of his rare grey offspring in Presage Nocturne, who won the Group III Prix Prix de Barbeville (3000m) at Longchamp on Sunday.
Ka Ying Brilliant Again - Everest Next
The Everest is next after Hong Kong’s champion Ka Ying Rising made light work of them in another stunning performance in the Group I Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
So You Think This is Value
The pinhooking market has enjoyed great success targeting quality weanlings from Fairhill Farm, but end users have also hit the heights notably with Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes winner Hayasugi.