Life at the Club

Middle-distance specialists target McKenna

Victoria’s middle-distance specialists step out in five heats of the McKenna Memorial this Thursday at Sandown Park.

The winners of each heat and three fastest runner-ups will progress to the $40,000 to-the-winner final the following Thursday.

HEAT 1
There’s no defined headline act. Intrepid Bale looks well drawn and is likely to open favourite.

HEAT 2
Canya All Class is the big name in this one – he broke 29-seconds over 515m in a trial last Friday. Vista Weird was impressive in his 595m debut last week.

HEAT 3
All eyes on Without A Trace. She was dominant last start – Pink Diamond Rookie Distance final. Which followed an amazing win on Sandown Cup night over this distance.

HEAT 4
The powerhouse Ethanol Volume returns to Sandown’s 595m for the first time since he ran 4th in last year’s McKenna final.

HEAT 5
The most even of the lot. Paw Barton is absolutely flying at the moment. Panama Rhode needs to make amends after she was slow to begin last week.

Catch my thoughts before every race at Sandown Park on Sky Racing 1.

Michelle Mallia after Stomping’s win in last year’s McKenna