THE CAULFIELD STAKES – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
HISTORY: First run in 1886 over nine furlongs (1800m) and won by Isonomy. 1887-88 run over 10 furlongs (2000m) and a distance, then switched back to nine furlongs until 1968. Run at Flemington between 1940-43. From 2000-2011 known as Yalumba Stakes.
NOTABLE WINNERS: Atlantic Jewel (2013); So You Think (2010); Lonhro (2002-03); Northerly (2001); Might And Power (1998); Rough Habit (1994); Bonecrusher (1986); Kingston Town (1981-82); Gunsynd (1972); Winfreux (1965-66-67); Sky High (1961-62); Rising Fast (1954); Comic Court (1950); Bernborough (1946); Ajax (1938); Chatham (1933); Wakeful (1901-02).
TALKING POINTS:
* Caulfield Stakes-Cox Plate double completed by 13 horses, most recently Ocean Park (2012).
* Rising Fast won Caulfield Stakes, Cox Plate, Caulfield and Melbourne Cup in 1954 as well as Turnbull, Mackinnon and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
* Top four horses in Cox Plate markets – Fawkner, Sacred Falls, Happy Trails and Dissident – clash in Caulfield Stakes.
* Dissident trying to win beyond 1600m for first time.
RACE ANALYSIS
PATTERN: Crackerjack King led Underwood last start and again likely to go forward from wide gate. Side Glance can also take up frontrunning role. Dissident should take sit off the speed while Criterion and Fawkner won’t be too far away. Foreteller a backmarker.
FANCIED RUNNERS: Open race with 10 individual Group One winners, many using Caulfield Stakes as final Cox Plate lead-up. Sacred Falls slight favourite over Dissident who is a query at 2000m. Happy Trails expected to bounce back after trainer unhappy with Turnbull Stakes ride last week.
BEST OF THE OUTSIDERS: Australian Derby winner Criterion unsuited by leader-dominated race in Sydney last start while Kirramosa gets to suitable distance for first time this campaign. Foreteller likes the track and is a three-time Caulfield winner.
COX PLATE GUIDE: With five of top 10 horses in Cox Plate betting running in Caulfield Stakes, it will have major bearing on markets for Moonee Valley feature.
