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...
Melbourne Cup Ciaron Maher Stable Also in the Hunt
Earlier this week we ran a story on the Chris Waller trained entries for this year’s Melbourne Cup and today we’re taking a look at the trainer with the next biggest number of contenders and that is Ciaron Maher with 13.
Debut Winner and Welcome Return
Vinery Stud’s Exceedance produced a debut winner at Moe on Thursday that started as a short priced favourite and on Saturday at Randwick we will see the return of his best performer to date.
Sires With Winners - Thursday September 4
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Grail Seeker Chasing Another G1
Top quality performer Grail Seeker will be heading in a new direction on Saturday when she attempts to add to her record at the highest level.
Alabama Lass Primed for G1 Moir
Tackling Group Ones on either side of the Tasman is nothing new for Ken and Bev Kelso, and they will do exactly that this weekend.
Sunlight’s Sister Clean Energy Retired
The most expensive yearling filly sold in Australia in 2023 when fetching $2.6million for Widden Stud at Inglis Easter, Clean Energy has been retired to stud.
River (Banking) on Dalasan
There are any number of reasons a stallion can go radio silent in their third and fourth seasons at stud.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday September 3
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Corumbene Stud Mourn Loss of Treasured Mare
Corumbene Stud took to Instagram earlier today to announce the passing of their much loved broodmare Bahia, the dam of Golden Slipper winner Overreach.
NZB Filly of the Year Series Springs to Life with Gold Trail Stakes
One of the traditional signs that spring racing has arrived in New Zealand is the running of the first leg of the NZB Filly of the Year Series, the Group Three Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). The $150,000 race looks a little different this year in a temporary new home, but it will still give us that same first look at the latest crop of fillies vying for the coveted title.