With the AFL Grand Final out of the way, we can turn our attention back on to the races as several quality horses continue their preparation towards the big cups of the Spring.
Sunday afternoon brings a meeting at Caulfield with the 1,400m Rupert Clarke Stakes the feature event of the day. With fine weather in Melbourne, we’re expecting to be greeted with a Dead-Good surface.
Racing out of the blocks will be Sistine Demon ($12 at Betfair) who will come across from a wide gate to take up the early running. Second-up this trip, Sistine Demon is unbeaten in five starts over this distance and will take some catching.
Also up on the speed will be Sweet Idea ($7 at Bet365) who has had a strong campaign so far this Spring. Sweet Idea won the Missile before a solid runner-up result to Dissident in the Memsie. Will also take some beating here but is there a lot of value at the price?
The joint-favourite is Dissident ($7.50 at Bet365) who has been the form runner this season with two Group One wins from as many starts in Spring. You would think that the $7.50 would be value for a horse of this calibre, but giving up several kg's to the field, Dissident may be targeting future races so may be vulnerable here as the top weight.
Trust In A Gust ($8.50 at Bet365) is another horse who has been racing brilliantly but this is another step up here to Group One level. Looks well weighted and will sit outside Sweet Idea in the run as long as he doesn’t get stuck out wide but does he have enough to top a field of this class?
If you’re looking for a roughie then consider Gig ($67 at Bet365) as the price looks tasty on the each-way.
Verdict: Really tough race on paper. Sistine Demon looks a great each-way option, and Sweet Idea looks hard to beat but we’re going to lean towards the impressive form of Trust In A Gust who carries a feather weight and looks primed for this race.
1st Trust In A Gust ($8.50 at Bet365)
2nd Sweet Idea ($7.50 at Bet365)
3rd Sistine Demon ($12 at Betfair)
Take note: The above tips are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always bet responsibly. Happy punting!
