Group l racing for 2024 kicks off this Saturday at Caulfield with the CF Orr Stakes (1400m), headlined by Mr Brightside.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 CF Orr Stakes.
2024 CF Orr Stakes Speed Map
The tempo will be quite genuine here with Buffalo River the likely leader. How genuine it will be depends on Pride Of Jenni and how much they force the issue. Do they try and win another Group l or do they keep in mind there is an All Star Mile next month. Veight and Mr Brightside both map to stalk the tempo.
2024 CF Orr Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Mr Brightside: Great to see Mr Brightside back at the races. Team Hayes trained gelding that is one of the best WFA gallopers in Australia who had a fab Spring, with his best run arguably was a defeat, beaten a lip by Romantic Warrior in an epic Cox Plate. He has had two jumpouts to get him ready and he is the proven big time performer.
2. Pericles: Godolphin love to target this race, whether it be with horses like Cascadian or Hartnell in the past. They have Pericles lined up and I think he is the value. Trialled up very well at Warwick Farm in readiness for the return, he gets M Zahra, a kind map where he stalks Veight/Mr Brightside…very dangerous.
3. Munhamek: Gold Rush winner from Ascot that has eyes on the All Star Mile. He would need to win/run very well in either this or the Futurity to warrant getting a start. He will get a good speed in front to sit off, run on late…can he win? I am saying no, but I think $23+ is a touch of overs.
4. Bustler: Neville Parnham should always be respected when he brings runners to Melbourne. That said, I don’t think he’s quite good enough to measure up at this level. Perhaps a grade easier and he can win. Deserving outsider.
5. Buffalo River: I am a bit surprised he is just about the rank outsider. He resumed in the John Dillon where he led, rolled, and gave a strong kick but just felt the pinch late when third to Ayrton. Does he win? Unless there is an incredible on speed bias, no. But at the price, he’ll give a bold sight and certainly pinch a first four spot.
6. Ayrton: I think this guy should be the rank outsider. He just isn’t the same horse he was as a 3YO. Fell in to win the John Dillon and just beat Ka Bling, who is an off season Saturday horse in Sydney. $23 in early markets, I can easily mark him 3-4 times bigger in price.
7. Atishu: Fascinating runner. Ended last prep on an absolute high when spanking them in the Champions Stakes. Two trials in Sydney to prepare for the return and first up over a trip short of her best at Group l level for the leading camp…there is enough there to say she’s here to run well, so watch the market.
8. Pride Of Jenni: Pride Of Jenni is a ripping mare for Ciaron Maher. She really came of age in the space of seven days during the Spring, winning the Empire Rose before proving that was no fluke when taking out the Champions Mile, beating Mr Brightside and co. Two jumpouts under the belt and yes, she’ll have Buffalo River on speed as company, but she is tough, genuine and will keep finding.
9. Veight: Veight, to me, is a 1200m-1400m horse so I think if he’s going to win a Group l against older horses, he gets his chance here. He was heavily backed in the Australia Stakes where he lobbed into a beaut spot behind the speed, getting the perfect drag into the race and finished best for a strong win. He’s got room for improvement and a smart three year old won this race last year, Jacquinot. Veight could be the 2024 three year old.
2024 CF Orr Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
Not really a betting race, but I’ll have $100 Place on Pride Of Jenni. Think she’ll get a good run on speed and is tough.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $3100
Group l Strategy Return: $3395
