The racing focus shifts to Caulfield this Saturday for the running of the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes. The $175,000 VOBIS Gold Heath will ensure punters are flocking to the Heath, while Royal Randwick and Doomben host tricky and competitive winter meetings around the grounds.
Caulfield Race 6
#8 Kahhof
Kahhof is running well at present. The Pierro gelding was an impressive third-up winner, and his last start performance at Flemington was honourable without getting the cash. The rising five-year-old is a 1400m specialist, and I suspect he still has improvement to come for the campaign. From barrier five, he will roll forward and pilot the field, and if he can cheat the clock throughout, the race could be over before heads turn for home. He represents great each way value.
Keep Your Cool is flying. The Deep Field mare was a brilliant first-up winner at Mornington, and she was game in defeat at her latest outing at Caulfield. The longer trip suits at this stage of her campaign, and the 3kg apprentice claim could prove the winning difference. She has been well supported in most all-in markets and is simply too consistent to dismiss. Jumping from barrier fifteen is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Kahhof @ $8.50
Caulfield Race 7
#10 Zou Sensation
Zou Sensation was victorious in fine style at his latest outing. The Zoustar gelding only saw daylight inside the final furlong, and the big boy savaged the line late to get the job done on the post. The longer trip is a positive, and I suspect his quote will continue to shorten until he pings the lids. The inside draw puts him into all winning calculations, and he always runs well at Caulfield. The featherweight enhances his chances further, and he looks well placed in this class. The one to beat.
The Open is ready to win. The Deep Field gelding is racing consistently well and is rock-hard fit after a lengthy campaign. His trainers’ winning percentage at present is outrageous, and a victory here wouldn’t shock his loyal supporters. He tends to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and I suspect another minor placing would bring up the ‘D-Day’ conversation.
Suggested Bet: Zou Sensation @ $4.00
#6 In Flight
In Flight is airborne at present. The Flying Artie mare is chasing a hat-trick of victories, and the form around her reads incredibly well for this event. The consistent four-year-old doesn’t know how to run a bad race and deserves her shot at the Group 3 level. The 1100m is in her wheelhouse, and the key appointment of Craig Williams must be respected. Push the chips in!
Recommendation is ready to explode. Both runs this campaign have been good without threatening, and he finds his ideal conditions here. His form twelve months ago was mouthwatering, and his best performance on Saturday could be fences and panels better than his rivals. If he can recapture his previous form, he may cause the biggest boilover since Polly left the kettle on.
Suggested Bet: In Flight @ $3.00
Caulfield Race 9
#10 Carini
Carini can run a drum at a juicy quote. The Siyouni gelding is due for a change of fortune in transit, and I suspect his next victory is just around the corner. The longer trip suits to a tee, and he is ideally drawn jumping from a middle alley. He will settle in the second half of the field and find his hooves, and if he can stay in touch with the peloton during the middle stages of the event, he can announce himself in the shadows. Over the odds!
Aztec State will jump a short-priced commodity after producing a first-up demolition. The useful Pierro gelding was ultra-impressive fresh after a lengthy spell, and the unpredictable four-year-old has upside for days. The step out in trip suits, and I suspect he is in for a breakthrough preparation. His second-up record and race-day quirks are among the primary concerns.
Suggested Bet: Carini @ $18.00
Royal Randwick Race 9
#10 It's A Knockout
It’s A Knockout won in a canter at her latest outing. The Dundeel mare has a blistering turn of foot, and I suspect she has a huge engine under the bonnet. Her record at the trip must be respected, and she deserves her shot at this level. The 2kg apprentice claim puts her into all winning conversations, and the inside draw puts one hoof on the till. Hard to toss!
Cool Jakey has been up longer than a Big Bash season. The Pierro gelding is rock-hard fit after a lengthy preparation, and he looks the likely leader on paper. 1400m is his sweet spot, and the give in the track plays into his favour. He is more than capable of performing well at this level, and if he can find the bunny uncontested during the early stages of the race, he may lead his rivals a merry dance. Take on trust.
Suggested Bet: It’s A Knockout @ $2.50
Doomben Race 9
#1 Mister Bianco
Mister Bianco is flying at present. The Zousain gelding is building a picket fence next to his name, and he looks well placed to continue on his winning ways. He meets the usual suspects here, and his record at the trip is near perfect. The talented three-year-old handles all conditions, and I suspect his quote will continue to shorten until the barriers open. The grandstand weight and carpark draw are among the primary concerns.
Noble Decree is a model of consistency. The Per Incanto gelding has produced a rock-solid campaign to date, and he looks well placed in this company. The inside draw is advantageous, and he finds his pet trip on Saturday. If he can get off the dulex as they run for the doctor, he can loom to win late. Dismiss at your own peril!
Suggested Bet: Mister Bianco @ $3.50
