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...
NZB Ready to Run Sale Pinhook Data
The NZB Ready to Run Sale starts today with a catalogue of 480 to be offered on Wednesday and Thursday and past evidence would suggest G1 winners will be coming out of this sale.
Spring Stars Boost NZB Ready to Run Sale Pedigrees
The results of showpiece races throughout the spring have delivered notable pedigree updates to the catalogue for this week’s NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka.
Mark Newnham Strikes for $425,000 Harry Angel Colt
Manawatu dairy farmers Mark and Tania Stratford had a result to savour on the opening day of the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale when their homebred colt by Harry Angel out of Ocean Spray fetched $425,000 to the bid of Hong Kong trainer Mark Newnham and Sweetbriar Equine.
Satono Aladdin Filly Wins Easily for Te Akau
A bright future is being tipped for Sibling Rivalry after she broke through for her maiden win in the Harcourts Monarch (1150m) at Te Aroha on Tuesday.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday November 11
Here is the full list of 35 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Debut 2YO Winner for I Am Invincible
Northern targets await promising I Am Invincible filly I Am Belle following her debut victory in the Elmwood Trading Co. Two-Year-Old Premier (1000m) at Riccarton on Wednesday.
One to Watch – Gosford
By champion sire I Am Invincible from a Group I winning sprinter, this talented filly cast off maiden status at Gosford on Tuesday in the manner of a filly that will be winning better races.
New Nominations Representative for Aga Khan Studs
Bloodstock agent Tina Rau has joined the Aga Khan Studs as international nominations representative; a newly created role aimed at strengthening the team’s presence at the major European sales.
Life Comes Full Circle for $1.4million Mare Lazzago
Flying Capitalist filly Lazzago started life at Widden Stud and returned to the ‘Valley of Champions’ earlier this year to continue her stud career after selling at the Magic Millions National Sale for $1.4million.
Lope de Vega Fee Increase to €200,000
Service fee announcements in Europe have been making news in the past week with Ballylinch Stud announcing an increase for Lope de Vega, a stallion that has always made his presence felt in Australia.