The first of the group races at Caulfield on Saturday is the McNeil Stakes over 1200m. Unbeaten filly Elite Elle has opened as the short priced favourite and has been the best supported runner in the race, although we like a runner at more value. View our McNeil Stakes tips and selections.
Special Offer 1: $500 McNeil Stakes FREE BET
Special Offer 2: $300 McNeil Stakes FREE BET
1. Underestimation
A colt by Al Samer who returned to racing in the Listed Vain Stakes here at Caulfield a fortnight ago. He drew the widest gate on that occasion and was ridden at the tail of the field. On the Heavy track, he only held his spot in the run to the line. With a better draw and track, expect a better effort.
Odds: $21.00
2. Cheyenne Warrior
Won his only two starts in February this year and was first up in the Vain Stakes two weeks and after leading until the turn, capitulated late to and finished sixth of seven – beaten 9.9 lengths. The heavy conditions were definitely not to his liking last start but will have to contend with a wide draw here.
Odds: $21.00
3. Amorino
Sydney visitor who is taking this race on first up. Won his first two career starts before performing creditably in the Magic Millions (6th, beaten 3), Todman Stakes (4th) and Golden Slipper (9th, beaten 4.3) Won a barrier trial at Randwick recently and interestingly trainer Gerald Ryan has come south to commence the campaign.
Odds: $41.00
4. Elite Elle
Tony Vasil filly that has won all four of her starts thus far, the most recent, a solid length win in the Listed Quezette Stakes here at Caulfield a fortnight ago. Likes to take up a prominent position in her races so, Zahra will have a little work to do form the awkward draw.
Odds: $2.50
5. Kabayan
Another Sydney visitor this time form the Gai Waterhouse yard. Kicked off his career by winning a Wyong Maiden and then ran second in Open company at Rosehill before being nosed out by Sizzling in the Group 1 TJ Smith over the QLD carnival. Always a query with horses tackling Caulfield for the first time but with a good draw and jockey, he’ll get his chance.
Odds: $5.00
6. Pronto Pronto
Ran second to All Too Hard at this third start before being spelled. Returned to racing up in Sydney running fourth of five behind She’s A Fox in the Listed Rosebud. Will be in the firing line from the inside draw and back to the Melbourne way of going, could easily improve.
Odds: $10.00
7. Shamexpress
Has a record of three starts for a win and second in Open company and a fifth (beaten 6.7) in the VRC Sire’s Produce in Mrach. Hasn’t raced since and with no trial form available here, happy to see what he’ll produce before rushing into him.
Odds: $12.00
8. About Square
NZ’er form the Mike Moroney yard who hasn’t raced since finishing a neck second in a Listed race at Ellerslie. Hasn’t been seen at official trials but yard have a good record when they bring horses across.
Odds: $17.00
9. If I Could
A colt who hasn’t raced since finishing a disappointing eighth (beaten 4.8) in the Listed Chairman’s Stakes in February of this year. Started 11/4 favourite that day off the back of a solid debut. Not to be treated lightly.
Odds: $9.00
10. Sheer Talent
Very well bred colt by Redoute’s Choice who, after finishing well down the track on debut was sent to Seymore for Maiden win in June. Hasn’t raced since and will need to improve on the two runs he has produced to date.
Odds: $41.00
11. Force Command
Has had only the one career start back in April of this year where, as leading chance (7/2) he finished fourth in the Listed Redoute’s Choice. Has had a hit-out at the Cranbourne trials running second.
Odds: $19.00
12. Lady of Harrods
Returned to racing in the Listed Quezette and after leading to the turn, dropped right out in the run home on in the heavy conditions and finished a well beaten tenth. Had competed reasonably in a Group 3 and Listed race prior before taking out an Open class race here at Caulfield.
Odds: $31.00
OVERVIEW
One of two fillies in the race, Elite Elle holds favouritism for this race at $2.50. Can’t knock her form but taking on some smart boys here. Like Kabayan at the eachway odds of $5.00. Looked a progressive type in his first campaign and with a further three months under his belt, may have come on again. Has a good draw, Trainer and Jockey at his disposal and should be competitive. Amorino was competitive in all the good two year old races and despite drawing the visitors gate here, is worth consideration at $9.00.
