Memsie Stakes an Option for Sooboog

The Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) does not appear out of the ability of Sooboog after the talented four-year-old returned to winning form in the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington over the weekend.

Sooboog posted a dominant win in the Group 3 Aurie's Star Handicap at Flemington on Friday. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Sooboog posted a dominant win in the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington on Friday. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Sooboog received notable attention in Aurie’s Star Handicap betting markets in the hours leading up to jump, and did his chances of success in the race no harm when finding a good position in transit from the outset.

Mustering a strong turn of foot when asked for an extra effort by jockey Michael Dee, the Snitzel entire pulled comfortably clear to find the line two lengths ahead of closest rival Dibayani.

Trainer Darren Weir was understandably pleased with Sooboog’s performance for success and while yet to confirm his next major target, the dominant performance is sure to underline a race like the 2016 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 27th as a realistic option.

“It was very pleasing for him to win,” Weir told Racing Ahead.

“Obviously he‘s a beautifully-bred horse and to get a Group win for him is very important.

“I thought all his runs since he joined our stable had been quite good and it was just a matter of getting him to do things right and find the right race for him.

“Things worked out really well – he seems to run well down the straight, the blinkers back on at the right time and probably he was getting to the stage where there isn’t a lot of improvement in him.”

Sooboog began his racing career under the guidance of Team Hawkes in the late stages of 2014, and has claimed three wins and a further four minors through a total of fifteen competitive appearances.

Debuting for Weir second in the Group 2 Euclase stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on May 7th, Sooboog failed to make anything of an impact when tenth in the talent-rich Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) on May 21st  and received a brief freshen-up after placing fifth in the Ladbrokes Cash In Handicap (1300m) on June 4th.

Beating several notable runners to the line in a St Arnaud trial on June 28th, Sooboog returned to competition for fourth in the Listed AR Creswick Series Final (1200m) on July 9th, in what was his only other start prior to the Aurie’s Star Handicap.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.