The $3,000,000 Group 1 Caulfield Guineas is front and centre at the Heath this Saturday. With the Group 1 Toorak Handicap and the Might Power also featuring on arguably Australia’s best race day, Caulfield is the place to be! In old Sydney town, we head west to Rosehill Gardens for an exciting edition of the $2,000,000 Group 2 Hill Stakes. Both meetings will provide a significant form guide as we move into the pointy end of the spring.
Caulfield Race 6
#5 Treasurethe Moment
Treasurethe Moment suffered a rare defeat in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley. I suspect the Alabama Express mare needed the run, and she was game and resilient behind the tearaway leader Pride Of Jenni. Her first-up victory in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes was mind-blowing, and her form prior to that is absolutely delicious. She is clearly the one to beat if she has bounced back from her colic-related setback.
Buckaroo is flying. His performance first-up put the writing on the wall for a fruitful spring preparation, and the form around the Melbourne Cup favourite Sir Delius reads incredibly well for this event. Tactics will play a key role in the small field, and I suspect he is ready to explode over the longer trip on Saturday. Too classy to pot.
Suggested Bet: Treasurethe Moment @ $1.80
Caulfield Race 7
#7 Lazzura
Lazzura is airbourne this campaign. The Snitzel mare is chasing a hat-trick of victories, and I suspect she still has plenty of improvement to come for her current preparation. The middle draw is advantageous, and the Chris Waller and James McDonald combination must be respected. The form around her is rock-solid, and she handles all track conditions. She comes in well at the weights, and if she runs out a strong mile, I expect her to figure in the finish. The one to beat!
Sepals has exploded this preparation. The Calyx gelding tasted Group 1 glory at his latest outing, and his fresh run was an absolute demolition job against quality opposition. He has been heavily supported in most all-in markets, and the Sir Rupert Clarke has already produced several subsequent winners. The allocated weight is a deterrent, and I am unsure the mile will suit with the predicted frenetic tempo. The final furlong may be a bridge too far.
Suggested Bet: Lazzura @ $6.00
#3 Vinrock
Vinrock was a victim of circumstances at his latest outing. The I Am Invincible Colt bombed the start after being loaded next to a galloper that was carrying on like a pork chop. The big boy went back and wide, and unfortunately, he was never a realistic winning chance. Despite his awkward position in transit, his sizzling late sectionals still scorched the turf, and I suspect he will appreciate a second chance and a shot at redemption over the mile. Mark Zahra will need to be positive from the carpark draw, and if he can find a spot in the running line during the early stages of the event, I expect him to make his presence felt when the whips are cracking. Acid test!
Wodeton is always thereabouts. The Wootton Bassett colt was good without threatening in the sizzling Golden Rose, and I am confident he is ready to explode over the mile. The perennial bridesmaid should be rock-hard fit after a lengthy campaign, and I suspect this event has always been the major target from the astute Chris Waller and Coolmore camps. The wide gate and his recent winning record are among the primary concerns.
Suggested Bet: Vinrock @ $8.50
Rosehill Gardens Race 7
#6 Gangsta Granny
Gangsta Granny is knocking on the door. The Written Tycoon mare has finished this preparation on the heels of Autumn Glow and Manaal and finds a very winnable assignment on Saturday. The consistent four-year-old meets easier opposition, and the 54kg is luxurious. Her record at the distance must be respected, and I suspect she is ready to fly third-up from a spell. The middle gate is advantageous, and she handles all conditions. Hard to toss!
In Flight was ok without threatening at her latest. The Flying Artie mare was no match for the classy opponents she faced, and I am unsure she raced on the best part of the track as they ran for the judge. The drop in grade suits, and I suspect she has the fitness edge on the majority of her rivals after a lengthy and fruitful preparation. A recent trial looked ominous, and she will make her presence felt late with even luck in transit. The logical danger to the favourite.
Rosehill Gardens Race 8
#6 Attrition
Attrition is racing well without winning. The Churchill entire won this Group 2 feature last year, and his lead-up performances and trajectory look very similar. His performance behind Pride Of Jenni and Treasurethe Moment reads well for this event, and I suspect he will appreciate the significant drop-in class. The enigmatic six-year-old also won the Group 1 Toorak Handicap on this weekend two years ago, and he traditionally peaks at this stage of his campaign. The awkward alley is his biggest challenge.
Lindermann is flying at present. The Lonhro gelding was a brilliant winner of the Group 2 Chelmsford two starts back, and his recent effort behind Fangirl was braver than Mel Gibson. The classy customer is rock-hard fit, and he looks the likely leader on paper. From barrier fifteen, he will ping the lids and find the bunny, and if he can cheat the clock throughout, the fat lady will be in full voice as heads turn for home. The carpark draw may determine his fate during the race’s early stages.
Rosehill Gardens Race 9
#11 Democracy Manifest
Democracy Manifest is over the odds. The Flying Artie gelding showed significant improvement at his latest outing, and the form out of the race has already been franked. The 1400m is in his wheelhouse, and the big boy looks extremely well placed in this company. The 55.5kg brings him into all winning conversations, and the middle draw gives the inform Tyler Schiller a menagerie of option in-transit. His recent winning record, and his racing pattern and style are among the primary concerns.
Waterford was an impressive last-start victor. The Awtaad gelding showed a tremendous turn of foot, and he put his rivals to the sword as they ran for the doctor. He meets the usual suspects here, and his record at the track and trip must be respected. The inside draw puts one hoof on the till, and the talented Alysha Collett could ride a broomstick to victory at present. He can win again at a decent price with even luck in transit.
Suggested Bet: Democracy Manifest @ $61.00
