The Listed race on today’s card at Caulfield is for the sprinters with the Stephen Brown trained Winter King ($3.75) holding favouritism in early markets in what appears to be an open event. Among his competitors will be multiple Group winner Catapult, who is having his first start since finishing down the track in the G1 Goodwood in May.
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1. CATAPULT – M Rodd (9)
The winner of quality races such as the Standish Handicap, Rubiton Stakes and QTC Cup but who faces this starter here for the first time since May of this year. No public trial in readiness for his return and given that he’s been allocated 60kgs here and also has the second to widest barrier to contend with, expecting him to take benefit from this run.
Odds: $7.50
2. KULGRINDA – L Nolen (3)
Smart sprinting mare from Peter Moody’s yard that ran third behind General Truce in a Stakes race on Oaks Day before scoring comfortably by a length at Moonee Valley a fortnight ago. Drawn perfectly here and no doubt will be competitive but from her last three starts at this track, where she’s started 3/1, 2/1F and 2/1F, she’s failed to register a win.
Odds: $5.50
3. WINTER KING – N Hall (7)
Had his first start for his new trainer, Stephen Brown when fourth (beaten 3.9 lengths) to General Truce in the Listed Stakes race at Flemington on Oaks Day. That was his first run for seven months and would think he would only be better for the hit-out and was only three lengths of Woorim in the Oakleigh Plate his last run here back in March. The points for concern though are the fact that he hasn’t won for over two years now and secondly, might be caught wide from his draw.
Odds: $3.80
4. ALPHA PROXIMA – J Mott (8)
A 7yo gelding from Leon Corsten’s yard who was second when first up to Kulgrinda at Moonee Valley a fortnight back. He was good in six starts last prep including a win over Diplomatic Force in the Golden Topaz at Swan Hill and a close up second to Broken in Open Class at Flemington. First up suggests he’s come back in good order and any give in the ground would increase his chances.
Odds: $7.50
5. THE SOLDIER – D Dunn (6)
Spends his time between Victoria, when under the care of Brian Cozamanis and the Northern Territory where Ken Rogerson is in charge. He faces this first up since his NT campaign ended in August and won’t know himself with 54.5kgs given that in the NT, he regularly and successfully, carries in excess of 60kgs. Best VIC run was a three length win up the Flemington straight when accounting for Falco Star.
Odds: $12.00
6. GALBRAITH – P Mertens (5)
Has been very consistent of late and his last three starts has recorded placings behind Obsidian Dragon, Freereturn and most recently, third (beaten 1.3 lengths) to Kulgrinda. A speedy type who generally races over 1000m and with this race being over six furlongs, expect the last 100m of this race to be his greatest challenge.
Odds: $16.00
7. UNDENIABLY – (10)
Well bred type, half to Sky Love and Sky Cuddle and full relation to Highly Recommended unfortunately though, he has had his fair share of dramas recently which has seen him only having had three starts since March 2011. He faces this race first up and hasn’t been seen at the public trails. He’s drawn the widest gate and expecting that he’ll need this hit-out.
Odds: $31.00
8. ESPRIT DE BULLET – V Duric (2)
He comes to this race having registered successive victories in Adelaide, the latest of which was a ¾ length win over Belfast Boy. Generally gets back and the inside draw may not be as much as of an advantage to him, as it would be to others runners. See him giving most of these a start turning and don’t think he’ll be able to run them down.
Odds: $5.00
9. HOTHAM HEIGHTS – L Currie (4)
Luke Oliver trains this 6yo by Danbird who has won two from three starts at this track, albeit in a lesser grade than what he faces today. He also tackles this race first up and again, while his stats of four placings from four fresh runs read well, they were in Restricted company. The advantage he does have is that he drops from his customary big weights, to 54kgs but will that be enough?
Odds: $26.00
10. HALLE ROCKS – C Newitt (1)
Lightly raced 4yo Fastnet Rock mare who has won four of her six starts including a 1 ¼ length victory at her most recent start when first up at Moonee Valley. This is a step up but was a comfortable winner last start and draw to be prominent here.
Odds: $8.50
SUMMARY
As you would expect there’s speed aplenty in this race and it’s hard to find a leader – I suppose it’s a case of who wants it the most. I’ll stick with Kulgrinda at $5.00. From her gate, Nolen should be able to place her to advantage and save her for one shot at them in the straight. Winter King was good first up but given he hasn’t won for a long time now and drawn wide, I think he’s a point or two short of what he should be.
