Handicapper's Corner

3 minute read

Heart Of Dreams is the highest rated horse in the Memsie

What to do with Prince Obama is the big handicapping question leading into this weekend's Memsie Stakes at Caulfield.

Final Ratings Screen

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He battled on bravely in the Lawrence to hold third behind two of the expected stars of the spring forcing a conservative view to be taken when rating the race, though he still posted a new peak rating some 15kgs higher than what he had produced in the past.

The rating was clearly tempo assisted, as he was allowed to sit comfortably in front of his higher rated opponents, but he posted it all the same.

Under identical conditions here today that rating sits at 55kgs, which in this field stacked with horses resuming and better suited over further, could see him competitive again, though as was the case when calculating the rating we feel a conservative view is the best approach with a once off figure like this and taking previous form into account have assessed him today 6kgs (4 lengths) short of his last start.

The highest rated horse in the field is the Mick Price trained Heart of Dreams who kicks of his third spring campaign along the tried and true weight-for-age path.

He is always competitive in these early spring races and boasts a terrific record at the track and distance having consistently returned ratings under these conditions that would prove enough to beat today's field on paper.

Set to get the perfect run from barrier 5 and with no Typhoon Tracy to worry about he looks ideally suited and has been assessed as likely to be closer to his peak than the other resumers.

Rekindled Interest has the benefit of a run under his belt and it was an eye-catcher in the Aurie's Star.

He proved he has come back as a 4yo in good order and whilst this is tougher it looks likely to suit him better.

From barrier 3 and with a softer tempo he can settle closer here and is likely to have a better turn of foot than many if not all of these with a career high effort expected.

Shamrocker leads a trip of Group One winning fillies at the bottom of the card who are all likely to be better placed getting out over further after this first-up assignment but all can be expected to race well.

Lights of Heaven measuring up in the Lawrence gives all three of these fillies a boost in one way or another.

On ratings from last season Shamrocker looks best equipped to make her presence felt here while it would be no huge surprise to see King's Rose improve sharply this campaign now under the care of the all-conquering Moody yard.

Of the stayers resuming Linton rates highest having shown his ability at this level with his cracking Australian Cup run. Doubt he's cranked up today but he should be finishing off into the money

Good luck from Aspro