The three novices - Coat Tales, Satin Jitterbug and Standout - are joined by six other McKay-trained gallopers at Gore as the horsewoman gets back into the swing of the racing merry-go-ground.
''It's my first time back at the races for four months. I had a break for two weeks and other than that, I've been working right through. I've got a lot of young horses - I've done a lot of breaking in.''
McKay's largest representation is in race 2, a 1200m maiden, in which she saddles up I'm A Taart and Pickpocket alongside Satin Jitterbug.
''Probably the most forward one is I'm A Taart - I think she'll go well fresh,'' McKay said.
McKay was confident about the chances of Pickpocket until she talked to the Captain Rio gelding's North Island trainer, Grant Nicholson, who told McKay the 4yr-old does not like wet tracks.
''And the other one [Satin Jitterbug] has never trialled so it's there as a real unknown. It works really well but it's going in the deep end.''
McKay and The Wairio Racing Syndicate have been patiently waiting for the return of Storm Uru (race 3), who pulled up severely lame in his right hind leg at Riverton in March last year.
''He had two months in the paddock and we brought him back. He came up OK, so we spelled him - he's a nice mile type of horse. He'll need the run tomorrow but he was definitely worth bringing back.''
The 5yr-old takes on the 1335m maiden field which includes stable mate Standout, who is one to watch, McKay said.
''With the fact of having to wait for trials next week which may not be on, we've taken the punt and taken him to the races. It's a bit more of an experience run, but with any luck, he's got tons of ability.
''I expect that horse to improve out of sight.
''Coat Tales (race 1) was a trial winner in January, but McKay has respect for rivals Libetto, Alessio and Princess Brook in the 1000m maiden. Xcapable, McKay's other runner in the race, is an unknown quantity on the track, she said.
McKay also welcomes back two stylish mares in the rating 75 1200m, with Hermione set to benefit from some weight relief after she was handed 60kg in the handicaps.
''Hermione is in better order than she was last year - she's put on more condition.
''With her work she's got to be a good show. I've gone with a 3kg claim [Racha Cuneen] because she did have a lot of weight.
''The other horse [Honor And Cherish] is working extremely well. I know she's a stayer but stayers can sometimes go a good sprint fresh-up.
''But we'll see what happens. I expect them to both go a bold race.''
