Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes Tips and Preview

Posted by David on October 29th , 2009 under Horse racing | Be the First to Comment

The $750,000 Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes is widely renowned for its status as the lead-up race to the Melbourne Cup. Many horses have raced in the 2000m Stakes before making the tough Melbourne Cup run, after which they most definitely deserve a break.. It is rather ironic to note that the horses who do well in the Melbourne Cup do not always perform here – last year’s Cup winner, Viewed, finished last in this race before going on to win the big one. Previous winners of this race include Empire Rose, Let’s Elope, Rogan Josh and Lonhro.

Like every year, this Mackinnon Stakes is very open, with almost all of the 13 racers considered a chance. The favourite is Rangirangdoo ($3.60 with Betfair), who has had an excellent Spring Carnival, topped off by winning the Group 2 Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley last start. He is not headed for the Melbourne Cup, so this might be his “Grand Final” or perhaps the Sandown Guineas.

Viewed, however, will race in the Melbourne Cup, where he is equal favourite. Here he is at odds of $9. There will be a lot of eyes on him no matter where he finishes, seeing how he handles the track and whether he is up to the form that saw him win the Cup last year. Read more of this article »