Group racing returns to Caulfield this Saturday for the running of the Sir John Monash Stakes. It’s great to have action back at ‘The Heath’; this meeting is a reminder that spring is just around the corner! With nine stunning races on the program, find out who our experts are casting their eyes on.
Caulfield Race 6
#2 Brigantine
Brigantine is racing in great spirit. The Astern gelding was luckless fresh, and it was a horrible watch for favourite punters. He showed his class second-up against easier opposition, and at his latest outing, he was ultra-resilient and tough. He covered more ground than the early settlers and was unfortunately inconvenienced at a crucial stage. A recent barrier trial should have him cherry ripe for this assignment, and he looks dangerous jumping from barrier four. After a little freshen-up, the drop back to 1400m is ideal, and he meets similar opposition. Hard to toss!
Poland will have supporters after an eye-catching first-up performance. The So You Think gelding will appreciate the step out in distance and can roll forward from the perfect inside barrier. The 2kg apprentice claim brings him into all winning conversations, and there has been a big push for the rising six-year-old since markets opened. His second-up record is the primary concern.
Sir Davy looks over the odds. The Street Boss gelding has been good this preparation without winning, and I suspect a peak run for the campaign is just around the corner. He will drift back from the middle gate to find his feet; if he doesn’t get too far out of his ground during the middle stages, he can threaten. He will always need luck in running with his pattern of racing.
Suggested Bet: Brigantine @ $2.50
Caulfield RACE 7
#4 Flying On A Limb
Flying On A Limb is building the picket fence next to her name. The Flying Artie filly is looking to make it four wins on the trot, and the form around her is standing up! She is ready for the step up to 1100m at this stage of her preparation, and the 2kg apprentice claim could prove the winning difference. Barrier fourteen is the biggest obstacle for the talented three-year-old.
Smile And Wave will start favourite after producing a stunning summer preparation. The lightly-raced I Am Invincible filly looks talented, and her recent barrier trial was ominous. From barrier six, Craig Newitt will roll the big girl forward, and if she can find the front uncontested, she will look the winner on straightening. Her record at the distance is the primary concern.
Troach can run a drum at a decent price. The Epaulette filly is running better than it looks in the form guide, and her best performance here would see her figure in the finish. The James Cummings factor must be respected, and the 3kg apprentice claim could prove a masterstroke. Barrier thirteen is her biggest hurdle.
Suggested Bet: Flying On A Limb @ $4.60
Caulfield Race 8
#1 Ingratiating
The enigmatic Ingratiating resumes in the feature race of the day. The Frosted gelding turned heads and broke clocks at a recent barrier trial, and his first-up record is exceptional. From barrier four, Ben Melham has options, and if he is presented with his run at the right time, his devastating turn off foot can prove deadly late. The cream will rise!
Mileva is ready to peak. The Headwater mare has been knocking on the door all campaign, and she looks well placed here. I suspect she will have the fitness edge on most of her rivals, and with only 54kg on her back, she will get every chance to strike late. If the leaders spend their pennies early, I expect her to capitalise.
Malkovich will lead them a merry dance on top of the speed. The Choisir gelding is an 1100m specialist who will look the winner inside the final furlong. A recent barrier trial will have him cherry ripe for this assignment, and if you have a live ticket with his name on it, cross your fingers and toes as the winning post approaches.
Suggested Bet: Ingratiating @ $4.40
Caulfield Race 9
#7 Flash Flood
Flash Flood finally broke through last start after a string of narrow defeats. The Night Of Thunder gelding will relish the step out in distance, and he should be rock-hard fit at this stage of his preparation. The form around him has stood up, and he comes into all winning conversations after the apprentice claim. From barrier two, he can box seat, and if he angles off the fence as they enter the home straight, I expect him to fight out the finish. Over the odds!
French Emperor will start favourite after a consistent preparation. The Tavistock gelding boasts from around the talented Brayden Star, and he meets easier opposition on Saturday. From barrier eleven, I expect him to sit midfield with some cover, and if he gets to the middle of the track when the whips are cracking, he can make his presence felt late. His recent winning record is the primary concern.
Saint Bathans is over the odds. The Maurice gelding finds his favourite distance and is racing well this campaign. His win two starts back at Sandown was first-class, and he was ridden upside down at his latest outing. His best form reads well for this event, and I expect him to figure in the finish with even luck in transit and a better tactical ride.
Suggested Bet: Flash Flood @ $7.50
