Races

Treasurethe Moment Faces First Major Test in Memsie Stakes Return

Trainer Matt Laurie is preparing Treasurethe Moment for a significant challenge as she resumes in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield this Saturday. The 9-time winner from just 11 starts will be stepping up to face older horses for the first time over 1400 metres, a key early feature of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.

Although the CF Orr Stakes has traditionally served as a crucial lead-up to the Memsie, Treasurethe Moment’s team chose to give it a miss. While she’ll be entering fresh without the benefit of that form guide, the 4-year-old was unbeaten last prep and Laurie is confident she’s returning for the Memsie Stakes in excellent condition.

Treasurethe Moment enters the race on the back of 8 consecutive wins, including a dominant Autumn campaign restricted to fillies’ company. Her progression has drawn comparisons to other rising mares, such as Aeliana, who recently pushed Cox Plate winner Via Sistina in the Winx Stakes at Randwick.

Laurie acknowledges that Treasurethe Moment is still technically racing as a 3-year-old filly until November, which adds complexity to her task against seasoned Group 1 performers. Nevertheless, her class and adaptability across distances—from 1400m to 2500m—suggest she’s capable of measuring up.

Her Spring campaign could include the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) and Turnbull Stakes (2000m), with a potential tilt at either the Cox Plate (2040m) or Caulfield Cup (2400m).

One concern heading into Saturday’s race is the weather, with forecasts predicting up to 30mm of rain, including 8mm on race day. Treasurethe Moment has shown a preference for firmer ground, and a softer surface could blunt her acceleration.

Despite the uncertainty, the stable remains optimistic. Treasurethe Moment has drawn barrier 1, with Damian Lane booked to ride. She’ll face a competitive field of 11, including Fangirl (5) and Buckaroo (7) from the Chris Waller stable, and Another Wil (3) and Zardozi (10) for Ciaron Maher.