Caulfield hosts a bumper nine-race card this weekend which features dual Group 1 races - the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and Underwood Stakes - as well as both Guineas preludes for the boys and girls at Group 2 and Group 3 level respectively.
The track is currently rated a Good 3 with the rail in the True position for the entire circuit. Caulfield has been racing very fairly in recent weeks with no obvious bias, so every horse should get their chance. There is a bit of rain predicted but not until later in the day so we should be on a Good track for the entire program.
We've got betting tips for all nine races as well as comments on every runner in each of the Group 1's below!
Race 1 - Jalan Jalan
Race 2 - The Bandit
Race 3 - Royal Rapture
Race 4 - Craven Image (best value)
Race 5 - Whispering Brook
Race 6 - Saracino
Race 7 - Yulong Park Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 1400m - Group 1
UNDER THE LOUVRE: Two good efforts so far this prep with a runner-up finish 1st up followed by a respectable effort last start when poorly weighted. Has only ever missed a place once from 10 starts here. Will have to come from a long way back with the big weight but should be flashing home as he usually does.
XTRAVAGANT: NZ Group 1 winner who has failed at both of his Australian starts. If he produced his best he would go close here but it's very hard to trust him based on what he's dished up in Australia. Too good to completely discount.
RANGIPO: Another strong performer over in NZ with 7 wins from 13 starts but failed in his only Australian start in Brisbane last prep. Blinkers on for the first time but he's looking for a longer trip than this.
FAST 'N' ROCKING: Been carrying plenty of weight in his last few starts but back to 55kg here stepping back up in grade. He could show up if the speed really goes on but the 1400m might test him out.
COUNTERATTACK: I still feel sick just thinking about his luckless run first up in Sydney where he was badly held up and charged late to just miss. Gets in with just 54kg and draws well, will settle in the back half of the field and can well and truly win this.
VOODOO LAD: Absolutely flying and produced a spectacular win after missing the jump last start. Form has stacked up with Keen Array winning last weekend and he just needs a bit of cover and a good ride from barrier 10 to go close. This is the toughest race he has contested, though.
TIVACI: Really good return in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis last start and will only improve stepping up to 1400m. Drops to 52kg and maps to get a nice run from barrier 3. Each way chance at around $10.
BADAWIYA: Ran okay first up and was only beaten 3 lengths despite finishing 4th last. Drops 7kg from that run down to 52kg but needs to improve.
BON AURUM: Has returned really well and won very convincingly two weeks ago over this distance. Down to 52kg and draws to get a lovely run from barrier 5. This is harder but he looks to be going very well.
THAMES COURT: Has returned in good form and was two runner up finishes against her own sex. Takes on the boys here and drops down to 52kg. Draws the inside barrier so will get a soft run and is worth including in exotics at 20/1.
TELOPEA: Comes through the same two races as Thames Court. Very consistent but this is a big step up in grade and she'd need to improve to feature in the finish.
WELL SPRUNG: Ran a huge run behind Keen Array last week when flying home to just miss at big odds. Will get back again from the wide barrier and drops to 52kg but this is another big step up in grade.
JUNGLE EDGE: Been running well in much easier grade than this. Looks the likely leader in the race and will come across from the widest barrier but this is too tough for him.
MR INDIVIDUAL: Another one that's running well in easier races having finished in the top two at his past three starts. Draws to get the run of the race with the light weight but is way up in grade.
1st COUNTERATTACK
2nd BON AURUM
3rd UNDER THE LOUVRE
4th TIVACI
Race 8 - Hyland Race Colours Underwood Stakes 1800m - Group 1
PRINCE OF PENZANCE: Lost sight of the leaders first up and was much better last start when finishing midfield in the Makybe Diva. Better suited as he keeps stepping up in distance and wouldn't surprise to him him flashing home late.
BLACK HEART BART: Very good again last start when overhauled by Palentino who was stronger over the mile. Think he's a better 1200-1400m horse but they are on a Cox Plate path and he could be too good again with the good draw. Hard to beat.
THE CLEANER: Definite leader in the race but I think he's past his best. Rock hard fit now and has placed 5 times from 8 runs when third up from a spell, but hard to see him winning here.
JACQUINOT BAY: Racing very bravely in this sort of grade recently and looks set to show up again with the cozy barrier draw. Not quite good enough to win but he's a rough place chance.
AWESOME ROCK: Surprise winner of the Dato Tan last start at big odds to earn a spot in the Cox Plate. No problems with the 1800m and traditionally his 3rd run back from a spell is his best so he looks a big chance to win again.
HE OR SHE: Ran well in the Makybe Diva last start to finish 3rd and the step up to 1800m is no problem. Will settle midfield on the rail from barrier 1 and his only issue is whether he is a genuine Group 1 WFA horse. Place chance.
TARZINO: Slighty disappointing last start in the Makybe Diva when finishing 6 lengths off the winner. Blinkers off here and is undefeated 3rd up so I'd expect to see him improve here.
TAVAGO: Had some excuses first up but is still looking for 2400m in my opinion, so should find these a bit slick. Interested to see how much he improves today with even luck, though.
HOWARD BE THY NAME: Only fair in his first up run in easier grade over 1700m at Flemington. Fitter here and draws much better in barrier 5. Think he'll struggle against the better horses over this journey.
LUCIA VALENTINA: Finished 4th of 7 behind Winx first up in Sydney but did produce a barnstorming performance to win the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the Autumn. If she produces that here she probably wins but I think she might need one more run.
1st BLACK HEART BART
2nd AWESOME ROCK
3rd LUCIA VALENTINA
4th TARZINO
Race 9 - Sheidel
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Best Bet: Race 8 Black Heart Bart
Don't think he's necessarily an 1800m horse but this is a fairly moderate field and his speed may just get him home over the top of a few looking for a touch longer. Looks hard to beat again.
Best Value: Race 4 Craven Image
Weir horse who won his maiden two starts ago at Sandown before just getting there in time at Wodonga. He really looked like he'd appreciate more ground last start so the step up to 2000m should suit. Good each way chance at 8/1.
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!
