While it may be a Group 3 race, the McEwen Stakes is more prestigious and celebrated than many Group 2 races. It is a sprint, run over 1000m, and the total prize money totals $200,000. Former winners of the race include Testa Rossa, Miss Andretti and Kaphero.
The Tony Vasil trained Lucky Secret ($4.00 with Betfair) is one of the premier sprinters in Australia. According to tradition, success on this track and over this distance leads to a very good run in McEwen Stakes, and Lucky Secret’s claim is irrefutable. He has won five races over 1000m and, from his 8 starts at Moonee Valley, has won 7 of them and placed in the other.
The other horse challenging for favouritism is Secret Flyer. He is equal favourite at the moment at $4.00 but there is a fair chance that his odds may drift. However, his form has been almost as good as Lucky Secret’s. He has raced four times over 1000m for three wins, and from his 5 starts at Moonee Valley has won three and placed in the other two.
Here de Angels ($11.00) won this race in 2007, but hasn’t had much luck since then. The gelding raced in the McEwen Stakes again last year, but finished a disappointing 9th, despite being at short odds. He has raced at Moonee Valley several times, but has done very little. Despite that, he has won three times over this distance and has won this race before, so he is still a chance.
David Hayes’ Nicconi is at $4.75, fairly short odds considering he has only raced at Moonee Valley once before. He has not raced since April, but he was in some great form there, being competitive in several Group 1 races, and even winning the Group 1 Galaxy at Randwick.
Mrs. Waters is right out at $34.00, though she is not without hope. The 8 year old veteran has won 11 times over 1000. She finished second in an open race over 1000m a few weeks ago, and was only just behind Secret Flyer. However, she has only raced at a level far below this, and this might be a little too late in her career to mount an attack on group racing.
I am going for Lucky Secret because his form over the distance and track has been outstanding. I think Secret Flyer will run well, as will Typhoon Zed ($10). For some value I like I am Invincible ($15), though don’t be afraid to put a place bet on Mrs. Waters.
My Tips:
Lucky Secret
Secret Flyer
Typhoon Zed
I am Invincible
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