Two young Group 1 stars in the making are set to face off again at Moonee Valley on the weekend with Clevadude looking to post another win over Cauthen this time in the McKenzie Stakes 2013.

Clevadude is after back-to-back wins in Saturay's McKenzie Stakes 2013. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia.

Both entries for the 2013 Caulfield Guineas in October, the Rick Hore-Lacy-trained Clevadude and Andrew Campbell’s Kiwi raider Cauthen first faced off at the valley on August 3.

Bel Esprit gelding Clevadude, racing for the first time since their failed effort in the $2 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) in January, held the advantage there as they put a full length on their rival in the Benchmark 78 handicap.

In their first Australian start and just their second career run following a blistering eight and a half length win on debut at Te Rapa in July, Darci Brahma colt Cauthen also lost few admirers with their second place finish.

Cauthen now gets their chance to turn the tables with the two headlining nominations for this Saturday’s $120,000 Listed Essendon Nissan McKenzie Stakes (1200m).

While they lost round one, as a previous winner over the distance Cauthen is likely to start the top fancy for the McKenzie rematch.

Clevadude meanwhile may have won three of their four starts to date, but with all of them over 1000m there are a few queries over their ability to go more distance.

As such Clevadude is paying $21 to win the $1 million Group 1 The BECK Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 12 while Cauthen is the $7 second favourite behind Prince Harada ($6.50).

Other notable McKenzie Stakes nominees meanwhile include the undefeated Peter Snowden-trained Long John last seen winning the Listed ANZAC Day Stakes (1410m) by four lengths at Flemington on April 25, Anthony Freedman’s Charles In Charge whose also won both of their starts so far including the Adelaide Magic Millions 2YO Classic in March, Peter Moody’s Stratum colt Weinholt and the well-tried Shamus Award.

Snitzel colt Shamus Award has plenty of experience racing at Group level having posted a number of black type minor placings as a juvenile.

Their first was a third in the Group 3 HKJC Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) last Melbourne Cup Carnival.

They also enjoyed a third to Metastsio first-up in February’s Listed Chairman’s Stakes (1100m) before finishing a brave fifth in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) behind Miracles Of Life.

They were last seen finishing a close second to Twilight Royale in the Group 2 Henry Bucks Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on March 9 and are another 2013 Caulfield Guineas nominee.

Weekend acceptances are due to be taken on Wednesday and will be published right here at Races.com.au so stay tuned.

In the meantime why not check out the early Caulfield Guineas odds open now at bookmaker.com.au – Australia’s favourite online betting agency!

2013 McKenzie Stakes Nominations

Moonee Valley Racecourse – 24/08/2013