The Caulfield Cup.
Today is the day Caulfield showcases the richest 2400m handicap race in the world.
The track might be on the worst side of soft and may deteriorate if the forecast rain decides to deluge Melbourne.
Really looking for horses that are fit, up and running and more than likely drawn off the rails. Think the middle and wide barriers will be beneficial in the chute races over 1000-1200m.
Advise betting with caution to see what the track is playing like early.
Race 1
A Harvey Norman ‘no interest' race to start the day.
A lot of these runners wouldn't look out of place in a Wednesday handicap. Good luck to all the connections but won’t be advising of a bet in this one.
For arguments sake the favourite Power Scheme should be ready to win after a nice run last start at this course.
Not Mine gets a big jockey chance with Craig Williams jumping aboard. The wide barrier might be an advantage as well.
Miss Polanski is racing is good form and handles wet tracks as well.
Suggested bet: No bet.
Race 2
Rainbiel has strung together two impressive wins albeit in the country at Benalla and Kyneton. Comes into this race as a well found $2.3 favourite. Tough to find anything to beat her but tough to suggest backing her at such prohibitive odds.
Yosemite comes out of a solid form race when she was beaten nearly five lengths by the likes of Instant Celebrity and Personal who ran well in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas. Second elect here.
Yes Baby Yes will also run well and put herself up on the pace and be hard to run down.
Suggested bet: No bet.
Race 3
Miraitowa was hammered in betting on debut and ran accordingly to win in fine style. Seemed to handle the soft track very well and is drawn to get a nice run here. Great chance.
Endanger was cramped up for a run at Moonee Valley last start and will run well here.
Torbreck is likely to ping to the front and try to lead from start to finish.
So Let’s Toast looks like the rise in distance will suit.
Suggested bet: Miraitowa each-way.
Race 4
One of the Victorian Derby lead up races.
Let’s Karaka Deel looks a stayer on the rise and he’s drawn to hopefully be out of trouble and in clear galloping room which he was afforded none of last start.
Redwood Shadow brings provincial form into this race but does look to be a smart type when he knuckled down well late in his maiden victory to score easily.
Cetshwayo and Tour of Duty come from the same form line and are some hope as well.
Albarado next best but well found by the market.
Suggested bet: No bet.
Race 5
Tough race for the fillies who are heading towards the Oaks.
The Mike Moroney pair in Salto Angel and Yatton come from the Oaks trial race. Both get blinkers first time and are long odds. They should be shorter than their current quotes.
Succeed Indeed didn't have much luck at Flemington last start. She’s drawn a middle gate and that should see her be able to build up her revs and have much more momentum to make her run.
Silhouette and Pensato are the Godolphin pair in the race and should run well but no value at their current price.
Suggested bet: Small each-way plays on Salto Angel and Yatton.
Race 6
Fituese was so brave when winning first-up. Had to sit wide in the run but she kept smashing the line to win by a narrow margin after drifting heavily in betting. She’s a great chance here but the price is too short.
Prophet’s Thumb ran well in this race last year and gets an all important jockey change with Damian Lane hopping aboard.
Pinyin has strung together two solid victories on the bounce and has finally started to put it together.
California Zimbol some hope but no value at the $3.8
Suggested bet: No bet.
Race 7
Alfa Oro is a no fuss horse. He’ll put himself on the pace hit the front and try to get the rest of them chasing him like he always does.
The form of the South Australian pair Garner and Shamino should stack up well here. Both seem to handle wet going comfortably too.
Jungle Edge gets the wet track he’s after as well but he might be outclassed by a few sharp ones here.
Suggested bet: No bet.
Race 8
Windstorm goes on top here but he’s no bet at $2.8.
Fifty Stars and Best of Days look the likely two to challenge the favourite.
Wild Planet is a winning chance too but he’s drawn awkwardly in barrier one.
Morvada only knows one way. Bounce to the front and try to lead all the way.
Suggested bet: No bet.
Race 9
Verry Elleegant. She ticks all the boxes here. Weight-for-age back to handicap level, she’s winning, she loves wet tracks, she’s unbeaten over this distance and she’s drawn perfectly. Love how Chris Waller has taken his time stepping her up into these races when he knows she's ready.
Anthony Van Dyck is drawn wide but don’t think that will be an issue for him. He brings in very strong overseas credentials and he is the danger to beat the top pick.
Finche was brilliant despite being beaten by a slender margin in the Turnbull Stakes to the top pick as was Master of Wine.
Buckhurst next best for Lloyd Williams.
Suggested bet: Verry Elleegant win.
Race 10
Against the Flemington form here.
Felicia goes on top. She’s racing so well. Dean Binaisse and his team to have this mare up and running like she is. Only query is if she can run out a strong 1400m race.
The Closer has been absolutely slaughtered in basically all three runs this preparation. She’s massive odds to win this.
Rich Hips won well last start at this course albeit in much weaker company. She’s some hope.
Suggested bet: Each way play The Closer and Rich Hips.
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