The first of the Spring Carnival’s three majors will be run this Saturday with the Group 1 Caulfield Cup attracting both local and international talent. We chatted with Palmerbet CEO Grant Palmer to get his thoughts on the weekend’s racing.
Where is the money going for the Caulfield Cup this Saturday?
Johannes Vermeer has drawn the most attention from punters. His eye catching run in the Caulfield Stakes has seen betting be a one-way go for him, especially after drawing nicely in barrier 2. Bonneval is still our worst way after being heavily supported in early markets, however, her supporters have gone missing this week.
Who is your best bet pick for the Caulfield Cup?
I think Johannes Vermeer is a deserved favourite. Couldn’t be coming out of a better stable for this race in the Williams/Hickmott yard, and his effort in the Caulfield Stakes was very impressive. Seems to get in well at the weights and the decision to ride him more positively is another plus.
Who do you think is the value runner in the race?
Bonneval has drifted out to a very backable price. She’s $8 now after being $6 immediately after the barrier draw, and before that, she was a firm favourite around the $5 mark. There’s been some uncertainty around her fitness and a lot of people seem to have gone cold on her after finishing 4-lengths off the winner in the Caulfield Stakes. Her first two runs this prep were all class and I think her last start was a forgive run. I would say Murray Baker was simply wary of jumping her from 1800m to 2400m third up.
Who are you happy to lay in the race?
Murray Baker’s other runner in the race, Jon Snow. He’s a quality racehorse and he’s been competing well this preparation, but I think he needs some cut in the ground to be a genuine winning chance. He’ll run an honest race and may look the winner at some stage but unless Caulfield gets some rain, I’m happy to give him the miss.
Bet on the Caulfield Cup now at Palmerbet and take advantage of their Caulfield Cup promotional offer.
