Group 1 racing returns to Sydney this week which leaves Caulfield in Melbourne with two Group 3 events to headline their card.
The MRC Foundation Cup and the Ladbrokes Odds Boost Stakes will be supported by the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes, with seven other races completing a 10 race card.
The track is currently rated a Soft 7 but should start as a Soft 6 by the first race. There's a very minimal chance of some drizzle but I wouldn't think it's enough to cause a downgrade. At best we will be racing on a Soft 5.
Caulfield Betting Tips - September 17th 2016
Race 1 - Chase The Horizon
Race 2 - Inside Agent EW
Race 3 - Knew It
Race 4 - Miss Gunpowder
Race 5 - Rocketeer
Race 6 - Ladbrokes Odds Boost Stakes 1200m - Group 3
MY POPPETTE: Ran okay first up over the unsuitable 1000m trip. Better suited 2nd up here up to 1200m but has to carry top weight and needs to improve to win.
MISS PROMISCUITY: Ran reasonably well first up in a relatively strong race. Hayes said she was desperately in need of the run so she should improve sharply here. Great record at Caulfield so if the track remains in the Soft range she should be hard to beat.
VIBRANT ROUGE: Broke through for a desreved win last start after a string of good performances. Back in distance to 1200m should be okay but the soft track won't be to her liking. Barrier 1 also has the potential to cause problems and up 5kg in a harder race here.
SECRET AGENDA: Good first up record and was decent in a recent jump out. Narrowly beaten first up last prep in a similar race. Drawn well and Oliver rides. All signs point to a strong showing here.
ATMOSPHERICAL: Good run first up and then a touch unlucky last start at the Valley. Draws awkwardly and the firmer the better for her. Each way chance.
SHAKESPEAREAN LASS: Looks the likely leader in the race and she is ready to peak at her third run back. She's won both previous starts when third up and is a place chance.
EXCLUSIVE LASS: Another one that holds a good first up record having never missed a place from three attempts.Goes well at the distance but probably better on a firmer track and she may find this class a touch tricky.
EVERY FAITH: Tends to get better with a run under her belt and she's looking for longer than the 1200m here. Also never placed from 5 runs at Caulfield.
A LOTTA LOVE: Good win over this track and distance three starts ago but her last two efforts have been below par and she may be coming to the end of her prep. Will like the conditions.
ANDRASSY: Good win over track and distance two starts ago over the likes of Vibrant Rouge before a brave run last start in similar company. She will likely go forward from the wide barrier and can give a good sight.
1st MISS PROMISCUITY
2nd SECRET AGENDA
3rd ATMOSPHERICAL
4th ANDRASSY
Race 7 - Fight Cancer Foundation Testa Rossa Stakes 1200m - Listed
Listed race over 1200m for the Open class sprinters which looks to be a very open race. Out of the 10 runners there looks to be five decent winning hopes.
HUCKLEBUCK resumes from a spell and competes at Listed level for the first time in quite a long time. Has to lump 61kg but if he runs up to what produced at the start of last prep he should be thereabouts.
Any time the Snowdens send runners to Melbourne you have to include them. We've seen their Melbourne runners winning or being very competitive in recent weeks and CHARLIE BOY should be no different. He won a Gr3 in Sydney first up last prep and that should see him run well in this.
SANTA ANA LANE ran well first up but got a bit lost up the straight last start. Back around a bend and blinkers go on for the first time so he should go well from the good draw.
Huge watch on THE VIRGINIAN who placed in the Stradbroke behind Under The Louvre and Black Heart Bart in just his first preparation. He resumes from a spell today and has won a trial leading into this - if he reproduces his Stradbroke run he will go very close.
The one I want to be on, however, is KEEN ARRAY, who regained his form first up behind the very smart Voodoo Lad. He draws well and remains on 54.5kg and Hayes declared him as a banker which is good enough for me and he looks a nice price too.
Selection: KEEN ARRAY
Race 8 - Bendigo Bank East Malvern Foundation Cup 2000m - Group 3
Group 3 over 2000m here for the middle distance horses and a field of 16 is set to line up, but I'm really only interested in a few of these.
I really, really like the look of REAL LOVE in this and her price is very appealing at the $9.50 mark. Her run first up in the Dato was absolutely huge and she's won two of her three races when 2nd up from a spell. She's never missed a place over 2000m and she looks very well suited here.
Her main danger could be TOM MELBOURNE who ran well in defeat first up. He's undefeated 2nd up and has won 2 from 3 over 2000m. Draws ideally and should be hard to hold out with only 54kg on his back.
JAMEKA poses as a threat after two good runs so far this campaign. She was forced very wide throughout last start and should get the run of the race from barrier 1 here.
SET SQUARE is the only other real danger in my opinion. She's come back in good shape and finished off well to run 3rd behind Awesome Rock and Real Love last start. The barrier makes it tough but she has won her only start over track and distance and looks ready to win.
For those looking for value, one to include is TALL SHIP at 50/1. He was expected to run well last start but disappointed. The stable obviously think he is going better than what he's been showing so include him in exotics for a bit of value.
Selection: REAL LOVE E/W
Race 9 - He's Our Rokkii (Best Bet)
Race 10 - Tarquin
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Best Bet: Race 9 He's Our Rokkii
Big win first up and he was set to improve from the run so that makes him very hard to beat here. He looks like he could go to the next level this prep and from barrier 4 he should get a perfect run here. David Hayes' best of the weekend so that is good enough for me.
Best Value Bet: Race 8 Real Love
Huge run first up in the Dato and stepping up to 2000m will only help her. Good record at the distance and good record 2nd up from a spell. Her price looks over the odds and she is a big each way chance at $9.50. Also keep an eye on the first starter Inside Agent in Race 2 for Blakiston and Oliver at double figure odds.
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!
