There’s no respite from the relentless wave of Group 1 action at Caulfield which plays host on Saturday to the $750,000 Hyland Race Colours Underwood Stakes (1800m).
A traditional fork in the road for horses choosing to chase Cups glory or follow a weight-for-age path, this year’s Underwood Stakes is headlined by Australia’s most exciting up-and-comer, Russian Camelot. Danny O’Brien’s galloper made a brilliant return in the Makybe Diva (1600m) when finishing second, the son of Camelot likely to start odds-on in his pursuit of a second career Group 1.
Russian Camelot won’t have it all his own way however, with star Western Australian mare Arcadia Queen now seemingly back to her best. Memsie Stakes (1400m) runner-up Mr Quickie and born again Feehan Stakes (1600m) victor Humidor are also among the field of 10 and will provide stiff opposition.
The Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) looks wide open and will paint a much clearer picture of the Caulfield Guineas proper on October 10 once run, Caulfield locals Ciaron Maher and David Eustace as well as Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jnr) both hold strong hands on their home deck with two and three runners in the boys Prelude respectively.
The Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) looks a similarly even affair, unbeaten South Australian filly Instant Celebrity heading Neds’ market at $3.30.
Sunday’s meeting at Mornington is highlighted by the Listed R.M. Ansett Classic (2415m) where Ciaron Maher and David Eustace’s High Emocean will aim to make it four wins from her past five starts. She will be joined by a strong local contingent which includes Anthony and Sam Freedman’s Naval Warfare and Jason Warren and Dean Krongold’s Eureka Street, while the Lloyd Williams-owned/Amy and Ash Yargi-trained Harrison will also look to claim the Ansett on his home deck, having finished runner-up in 2018.
Underwood Stakes Day takes place on Saturday 26 September at Caulfield Racecourse. The first race begins at 12:45pm and will be broadcast on Seven and Racing.com.
Mornington Race Day takes place on Sunday 27 September at Mornington Racecourse. The first race begins at 1:25pm and will be broadcast on Racing.com.
The 2020 Caulfield Cup Carnival begins with Neds Caulfield Guineas Day (Saturday 10 October), Blue Sapphire Stakes Day (Wednesday 14 October) and Caulfield Cup Day (Saturday 17 October).
