Moment Of Change will be looking to keep his perfect 1400m record at Caulfield intact and record back-to-back Group 1 victories with success in the Futurity Stakes this Saturday. Punters believe he will and he has opened the $2.60 favourite, just in advance of Gai Waterhouse’s promising 3yo colt Bull Point at $3.40. Sizzling, who has opted for this race instead of the Apollo Stakes at Randwick, is at $6.50 with the other 3yo in the race, VRC Derby winner Polanski, at $8.00.
Special Offer: $250 FREE BET – Sportsbet
Special Offer 2: $250 FREE BET – Ladbrokes
Special Offer 3: $500 FREE BET – Luxbet
1. SIZZLING – C Newitt (6) 59kgs
The 4yo stallion had his first start for trainer Chris Waller a fortnight ago in the G2 Expressway Stakes (1200m). Was in the right spot turning for home to launch his claim but may have felt the 58.5kgs first up and just snuck into third spot, 2.6 lengths behind Appearance. He’ll strip a lot a fitter and the 1400m trip suits. Ran some great races here during the spring but still has to prove himself at this level.
Odds: $6.50
2. MOMENT OF CHANGE – L Nolen (6)
After a string of frustrating placings, several in Group 1 company, the 5yo by Barely A Moment finally cracked it for a win last start, albeit just, claiming the C. F. Orr Stakes (1400m) a fortnight ago. He was able to dictate the pace to his five competitors from the front in the Orr and was able to hold on by a nose from the fast-finishing Eurozone. Meets a tougher field here but he is three from three this track/trip and will no doubt be the one they have to get past to win.
Odds: $2.60
3. PINWHEEL – (9) 59kgs
Fantastic old galloper, now a rising 9yo, he also resumed off a nine week break in the G2 Expressway Stakes a fortnight ago. He found a nice spot in the run from a wide gate just behind the leading bunch and whilst he tried hard in the run home, was no match for Appearance and finished fourth (2.7 lengths). Will no doubt give his all again but in the twilight of his career now and may find this grade just a touch too strong.
Odds: $11.00
4. SERTORIUS – R Maloney (3)
Ran a fantastic race first up last prep when finishing sixth (1.8 lengths) to Speediness in the G3 Bobbie Lewis (1200m). The Galileo gelding continued to build on that effort throughout the remainder of his spring campaign and went on to win the Listed Bendigo Cup (2400m) and G2 Zipping Classic (2400m). Kicking off at 1400m a plus and does go well fresh but at WFA, he may find a least a couple too slick.
Odds: $26.00
5. SMOKIN JOEY – J Benbow (1)
Not much to like about his first up effort last prep when last in the G2 Gilgai Stakes but a month later, he came out to win the G3 Tab.com.au Stakes in a manner that made a mockery of his 40/1 starting price. He won going away by 1 ¾ defeating Galah and Strike The Stars. To prove it no fluke, the Wez Hunter trained galloper than ran a head second to Boban in the G1 Emirates Stakes (1600m). First up here off a ten week break after failing in the G1 Railway Stakes in Perth and with one win from eight fresh runs, would think he’d be better for having the run.
Odds: $17.00
6. CLEAR FOR ACTION – M Zahra (9)
Former Singapore galloper who won one from six Australian starts during the spring – a Moonee Valley Open class even over 1500m, defeating Keep Cool by ¾ length. He had his first start in four months three weeks ago in a Sale Quality and from a forward position under 59.5kgs, wasn’t able to improve his position and ran second to last (beaten 6 lengths). Needs to show considerable improvement.
Odds: $201.00
7. LIDARI – C Schofield (8)
The former European galloper registered his maiden Australian win when rattling home to win an Open class race at Caulfield first up last prep, defeating High Esteem by a head. He then contested the G2 Dato’tan Stakes and after drawing the inside gate, got a lovely run in transit and finished a neck third to subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente. Looked set for big things after that run but we never saw the 5yo stallion race again during the spring. No trials in readiness for his return here but would not dismiss lightly.
Odds: $13.00
8. POLANSKI – D Yendall (7)
Winner of the VRC Derby during the spring, the Robbie Laing trained galloper has been entered for, and subsequently scratched, a few races in the past month. Well handled first up last prep in the G2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) when seventh (3.1 lengths) behind Charlie’s Boy before immediately stepping up to a mile at his next start. Gets good weight advantage as a 3yo and might catch a few of his competitors early in their respective preps and in need of the run, but think he’ll be better again for this start and a longer trip.
Odds: $8.00
9. BULL POINT – D Oliver (5)
The son of Fastnet Rock improved with every run during the spring which culminated in a sensational effort in the G1 Golden Rose where he closed from a mile back to run third to Zoustar and Dissident. He has obviously continued to improve over this summer break given his good win first up in the G3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) three weeks ago. He settled in a lovely spot and knuckled down well late to defeat Worth A Ransom by 1 ¼ lengths. Fitter again for having that run and from gate five should have Moment Of Change in his sights throughout. Will be finishing well.
Odds: $3.40
MOBILE USERS (Quick and easy sign-up)
Special Offer: $250 SPORTSBET FREE BET
Special Offer 2: $300 SPORTINGBET FREE BET
RACE OVERVIEW
Moment of Change leads out and, like he did in the Orr, should be able to set his own pace. Would expect to see Sizzling a bit handier than normal from gate two with Bull Point and Pinwheel prominent. Moment of Change had every chance and just lasted in the Orr but that was his first start at 1400m for two years and he’ll be better for that outing. Bull Point is full of promise and Oliver will be sure to be within striking distance of Moment Of Change at the top of the straight. He’ll be closing fast at the end of 1400m. Think they’d have the race between them from Lidari, Sizzling and Pinwheel to fill the places.
- BULL POINT
- MOMENT OF CHANGE
- LIDARI
- PINWHEEL
