Original tactics for Hayes colt in McKenzie Stakes

Brad Waters - Thursday August 24

The Lindsay Park team will go back to go forward again with talented three-year-old Muraaqeb in Saturday's Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.

Muraaqeb will resume in Saturday's Listed McKenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Muraaqeb came from last to score an impressive win on the Moonee Valley circuit in February before running sound placings in the Group III Black Opal Stakes (1200m) and the Listed St Albans Stakes (1200m) in March.

Muraaqeb raced closer to the speed in his latest two outings but co-trainer David Hayes said jockey Michael Walker would have instructions to revert to original tactics in the McKenzie Stakes.

"When ridden cold at the Valley at his first start he was exceptional," Hayes, who trains Muraaqeb in partnership with his son Ben and nephew Tom Dabernig, said in the weekly Lindsay Park preview.

"Then we rode him a bit closer a couple of times and he was serviceable.

"I think we'll ride him the way we rode him at his first run and hopefully we'll get his best form back

"But I am very happy with him and the way he has been trialling."

Muraaqeb is a $6.50 chance in Sportsbet's latest McKenzie Stakes market in which the stable's other runner Tycoon Dancer has drifted from $9 to $11.

However, Hayes said track conditions would determine whether Tycoon Dancer, a Caulfield debut winner in May, took his place in the in the $120,000 contest.

"He's a horse that doesn't like the wet and unless the track is a (soft) six or better, he'll saved for Caulfield (next Saturday)," Hayes said.

The Moonee Valley circuit was rated a soft (6) on Thursday afternoon.

Below is the full Lindsay Park preview of Saturday's runners.

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