With the 2015 Caulfield Cup running this Saturday, we thought we’d do everything we can to help you find a winner in the big race. So we did a quick run around the Before You Bet office to see who our staff are picking to win the Cup! We asked everyone for their winner’s pick and their best roughy and here’s what they came up with.
But there’s a disclaimer. Despite their apparent confidence, most of these guys don’t have a clue about horse racing, so in all honesty, these are probably the horses you will want to avoid! Fortunately we also have our resident horse racing expert Tim to save the day with a sneek peak into his horse racing tips for the race.
Johnny Houston (American sports expert)
Winner: Mongolian Khan – I am going to make a big statement. This horse is on track to be the next Might and Power. His 3YO season rivals anyone’s winning both the New Zealand Derby and the Australian Derby (Group 1’s) and I believe he has a real shot at winning both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup. They paid 140k for this colt and he is going to be worth every cent. Already he has earned $1.97 million and he is only a 4-year old. Don’t be worried about his last three runs of 1600m, 1800m and 2000m as it has been the absolute perfect preparation. The more distance this guy gets the faster he goes. He has drawn barrier 9 in the Caulfield Cup giving him all the options after the jump. I’m all over this horse.
Best roughy: Volkstock’n’Barrell – If you open Wednesday’s Herald Sun to page 82 you’ll see that trainer Donna Logan got a call from training partner Chris Gibbs who told her, “You get on a plane here because the horse isn’t coming home.” Back in February, March and April this was Mongolian Khan’s biggest rival and still could be. V’n’B beat Mongolian Khan over the 2000m journey in the Rosehill Guineas (G1) and with Craig Newitt on board Saturday I believe he is great value at 21-1.
Damien (UFC expert)
Winner: Mongolian Khan - Unbeaten at the distance and has had a the perfect preparation.
Best roughy: Royal Descent - Will need a great ride and a bit of luck after drawing poorly, but has the ability to be thereabouts.
Callum (Rugby expert)
Winner: Rising Romance - I have gone with my heart and picked Rising Romance to win the Cup.
Best roughy: Protectionist - I have picked Protectionist as my long shot because it was able to win the Melbourne Cup last year and offers great odds at $51.
Josh (AFL expert)
Winner: Rising Romance - Backed it last year when it ran second and I believe in second chances... which has cost me a few pennies over the years. Also don't want to have that sick regret you have knowing you backed it when it ran second and not when it ran first. Does love to be the bridesmaid though with three seconds in the last five runs - twice in Group 1s. Such a tease, but have to love it.
Best roughy: Magicool – Long shots don't get much longer! And I always say if you are backing a roughie, go hard or go home. Although having another look and Quest For More might be a chance if it can get a run as an emergency. There's a lot of 1s and 2s in the form guide for a $65-1 shot. Might have been against donkeys, but some horses can't tell the difference and just love to get to the front of a pack.
Maybe whack these two in a quinnie or trifecta with Rising Romance and start picking out a brand new car to buy first thing on Monday.
Mr.Cricket (Cricket expert)
Winner: Rising Romance – Was keen on Rising Romance in the Turnbull Stakes but was stuck wide the whole way. Has drawn much better here and would rather take the $11 for Rising Romance than the $4.20 for Mongolian Khan.
Best roughy: Royal Decent - There’s a few I’d like to include here with Who Shot Thebarman building nicely and Lucia Valentina a big price if there’s some rain around, but I’ll stick with Royal Descent. Shocking barrier but just never runs a bad race. There’s not a great deal of pace in the race so should be able to push forward and give a good show at big odds.
Tim (Horse racing expert)
Winner: Rising Romance - Runner up in this race last year and will get a very similar run this year from barrier 2. Drawn perfectly, well weighted and was flying before an unlucky run last start. Huge chance at double figure odds.
Best roughy: Hokko Brave - Japanese raider that is no hack at 2400m. Last prep he ran 3rd in a Group 2 over 2500m in Japan when he was first up from a 3-month break and despite the horror draw he is well weighted to give this a real shake at big odds.
Editor's note: Tim's full 2015 Caulfield Cup preview and tips can be found here
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
