The pinnacle afternoon of racing at Caulfield is upon us with BMW Caulfield Cup day rolling into town on Saturday. The $2.5 million feature is the main race, but the support card is as
good, if not better, than the 2400m classic.
Other key highlights will be Sepoy taking on the older horses in the Caulfield Sprint (1100m) and the Queen of Sydney racing in More Joyous, who will look to get her Spring back on track with a win in the Tristarc Stakes (1400m).
Race One: A very poor race to kick the day off. I think Shadow West is the best horse in the event, but I am surprised they have chosen to run here given it is 200m less in journey and she did the line well in the Flight Stakes behind Streama. In saying that, class will just about get her home here but gee, it’s hard to get excited here. Florets, Miss Zoom and Belle Of The Court round out the first four.
Race Two: Prepared to declare Masthead a special here. Very good return in the Danehill behind Sepoy before going to Randwick for the Stan Fox and he had little to no luck in the straight when finishing a narrow second behind Foxwedge. He has the class, barrier is a concern but I am sure Williams will take care of that. Dangers for me are Running Tall, Spatha and Covered In Class.
Race Three: If she is healthy and has four legs, then Dowager Queen should be winning this and then winning the Oaks. Very impressive winner at Wanganui three back before being well back in a slowly run race in the Tea Rose. She then went to Randwick for the Flight Sakes and although she was beaten a long way, her run was outstanding from an Oaks point of view. She’ll get back and round these up with ease. She’s a good thing. First four players are Roma Giaconda, Gliding and Fallen One.
Race Four: I’ll continue to follow Zabeelionaire because he finally gets out to a trip on a bigger track. Three career runs to date have all been at Moonee Valley in unsuitable races whether it has been class, ground or track bias. His run in the Stutt had plenty of merit and the run was yelling out for him to get to 2000m and beyond. Happy to stick with him. Exotic hopes are Sangster, Niagara and Bashan.
Race Five: No need to be a hero here punters. Stick with the champ in Sepoy. Bolted in the Manikato at Moonee Valley after blowing the start and doing work to find the lead. There are handy sprinters here, but they won’t get past this beauty. Clearly on top for me, over Buffering, Mid Summer Music and Platinum Skye, who ran a cracking race last Saturday behind Black Caviar.
Race Six: I think Speediness might be the value here. He was very good in the Autumn/Winter behind the likes of Sincero and Steps In Time. He resumed in the Testa Rossa and after settling well back, he got to the line well enough suggesting the rise in distance will be perfect. Drawn perfectly, he’ll settle much closer to the pace on Saturday. First four players include Albert The Fat, Launay and Hurtle Myrtle
Race Seven: Been waiting and waiting and waiting for Base to return and he is here. Needed the run first up before hitting his usual flat spot before picking up and finishing off well in the Balaklava Cup. His trial was excellent, the 2000m suits and the stable is absolutely flying at present. If he is to be a force in better races, he should be going close to winning this and I think he can. Dangers are Red Colossus, Lucky Eighty Eight and Midnight Martini.
Race Eight: Read my Caulfield Cup preview.
Race Nine: I’ll be very surprised if the grand mare More Joyous gets rolled here. Was caught in a pocket and lost all hope in the Manikato behind Sepoy and Sister Madly. Fitter, back to Caulfield and a rise in distance just looks perfect for her. I can’t see her losing. Exotic chances include Response, Sistine Angel and Lucha Libre.
Race Ten: I thought the first up run of Miss Elvee was good enough to have her on top in a pretty weak race here. Her form last campaign was good in harder races against the likes of Pinker Pinker and Panipique so she has the class on her side and looks to be weighted really well. Drawn barrier four, Hall should have the mare in the gun spot and from there he can do whatever he feels like. Like her alot at odds. Dangers are Rue Maple, Satin Shoes and Jessie’s Girl.
BEST BET: Race Three Number 1 Dowager Queen
NEXT BEST: Race Two Number 1 Masthead
VALUE: Race Eight Number 11 Tullamore
Written by Adam Page
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