(Andrew Bensley is a leading commentator with Sky Racing and Sky Sports Radio.)

IN recent years, the Group Two Memsie Stakes at Caulfield has been a key race for major Spring hopefuls.

So You Think (pictured winning the race, above), Weekend Hussler, Miss Finland, El Segundo and Makybe Diva are some that enjoyed success in the 1400-metre race and this year's edition is promising plenty.

One of the new kids on the block is Rekindled Interest. Delighted trainer, Jim Conlan, was elated at his first-up run three weeks ago.

A strong gallop last Saturday between races at Moonee Valley has boosted Conlan's confidence even further.

Having drawn barrier three, Conlan hopes Rekindled Interest can settle in the first half dozen.

Trainer Jason Clifford is aware Prince Obama is super fit and has no question marks over his ability to run out a strong 1400.

The same may not be the case for many other better credentialed horses who return in the Group Two.

Meanwile, leading Brisbane trainer, Rob Heathcote, will have a small but impressive team in Melbourne for the Spring.

At Doomben on Saturday, Heathcote has Woorim resuming in a 1200 metre race and while the horse has to carry 61 kilos, Heathcote is confident he'll produce a great first-up run.

Woorim performed at the highest level at the Brisbane Winter Carnival and is being set for the Sir Rupert Clark Stakes third up in late September.

Buffering is the other Heathcote horse heading to Melbourne and will resume in the McEwen Stakes at Moonee Valley.

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IT'S another step forward this weekend with both Sydney and Melbourne racing promising some tantalizing clashes in the lead up to the Spring Carnival.

The Run To The Rose at Rosehill will be the platform for an exciting contest between two of the most promising three-year-olds, Helmet and Smart Missile.

Pete Snowden told me on Sky Sports Radio early in the week that he felt Helmet was a touch vulnerable on Saturday and Smart Missile may have too much dash first-up.

Snowden's opinion that the best distance for Helmet this Spring will be between 1600 and 2000 metres. As for a Cox Plate start, time will tell.

Kerrin McEvoy told me Helmet's work on Tuesday indicated he is as fit as he can be first-up.

Smart Missile seemingly is on song for his return to the track.

Harking back to the spring, Smart Missile was scratched from the Golden Slipper when getting on edge in the barriers but trainer Anthony Cummings believes that will not be an issue this campaign.

According to Cummings attention had been paid to Smart Missile in the barriers and there were no apparent problems.

It may be only the start of the Spring features but the Run To The Rose is highly anticipated.

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OVER in New Zealand, the Challenge Stakes at Hastings will give us the first chance of watching their three big stars.

John Bary reports Rosehill Guineas winner Jimmy Choux is spot on, adding that the four-year-old's gallop on Tuesday was first class.

Lion Tamer has drawn the inside while Queensland Oaks winner Scarlett Lady will have to overcome a wide barrier.

(Sky Racing2 and Sky Racing World will broadcast the Challenge at 2.16pm eastern.)