The Group 1 Underwood Stakes headlines Caulfield this Saturday, while Royal Randwick hosts the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes meeting in Sydney.
Caulfield RACE 6
#12 Photograph
Photograph was ultra-impressive fresh. The Blue Point mare savaged the line from a minute back, and she put the writing on the wall for a lofty spring campaign. Her ability to record blistering late sectionals must be respected, and she strips fitter as a result of her fresh performance. Her record at the track and trip reads well for this event, and she finds a suitable assignment on Saturday. Her racing pattern and style always requires an element of good fortune.
Point Barrow is talented. The classy four-year-old mare possesses a significant turn of foot, and her performances from last spring were elite. If she can stay in touch with the leaders during the middle stages of the event, she can grab her rivals late. Too consistent to dismiss.
Suggested Bet: Photograph @ $16.00
Caulfield Race 7
#6 Birdman
Birdman was brilliant late first up in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes. The enigmatic galloper entered most punters’ little black books, and I suspect the Free Eagle gelding is ready to explode on Saturday. The step out in trip plays into his favour, and his second-up record is outrageous. The form around him has stood up time and again, and his Group 1 victory in the Doomben Cup was a cakewalk. He meets the usual suspects, and the yard have placed him to perfection. The big boy will be steaming home late!
Cosmic Crusader was brave at his latest outing. The Maurice gelding covered plenty of ground in transit, and I suspect he strips fitter as a result of his resilient performance. The longer trip will suit at this stage of his preparation, and his versatility alone puts him into all winning calculations. This is another step up in grade, however; his form is hard to fault. He may need some luck as they run for the doctor.
Suggested Bet: Birdman @ $6.00
#11 Deakin
Deakin is ready to run a huge race. The Australia gelding was good first-up at Caulfield, and the longer trip on Saturday suits to a tee. He ran through the line nicely fresh, and he put the writing on the wall for a second-up tilt. The inside draw is advantageous, and the trainer-jockey combination must be respected. His opening quote has been more than nibbled at, and his versatility alone puts him into the mix. He may need some luck getting off the dulex as they cut the ribbons.
Saint George is winning for fun at present. The flashy Roaring Lion gelding looks well placed in this company, and he has been well supported in most all-in markets. His record on the trip is near-perfect, and I suspect the camp has some significant spring goals if the big boy can hold his current form. You don’t win friends with salad or jumping from barrier twenty!
Suggested Bet: Deakin @ $6.00
Caulfield Race 9
#6 Lady Shenandoah
Lady Shenandoah chased home the freakish Autumn Glow first-up from a spell in the Winx Stakes. The form out of this race has already produced multiple winners, and I suspect the Snitzel mare has been targeted at this Group 1 event. Her second-up record must be respected, and she finds her pet distance on Saturday. The inside draw should give her rivals nightmares, and the tsunami of early money paints a winning picture. The one to beat!
Angel Capital has become expensive to follow. The Harry Angel teases punters more than Sydney Sweeney; however, he is a quality galloper when he puts it together for four quarters. The middle gate is advantageous, and his pilot is arguably in career-best form. Toss a coin to see which Angel Capital is going to turn up!
Suggested Bet: Lady Shenandoh @ $4.80
Royal Randwick Race 7
#2 Chilly Girl
Chilly Girl has made a near-perfect start to her career. The Trapeze Artist filly should arguably remain undefeated, and I suspect the camp are out for redemption on Saturday. The step-out trip is ideal, and the perfect inside draw will allow her to occupy the box seat throughout. The talented three-year-old handles all track conditions, and the inform Tim Clark takes the mount. Major player!
Striking Alibi was good without winning in the Furious on her debut run for the powerful Chris Waller stable. The Ex-Western Australian Hanseatic filly will eat up every inch of the 1400m assignment, and the key booking of James McDonald speaks volumes. The early market support is significant, and I expect her to jump favourite if the volume of cash continues. The one to follow moving forward regardless of the result on Saturday.
Suggested Bet: Chilly Girl @ $3.50
Royal Randwick Race 8
#4 Autumn Glow
Autumn Glow will start a long odds-on favourite after producing a dominant first-up performance in the Winx Stakes. The victory over Sheza Alibi reads well for this event, and she meets a familiar line-up on Saturday. Barrier one makes her assignment a mere formality, and James McDonald has a near-perfect record aboard the bonny mare. Only bad luck in-running would cause the biggest boil-over since Polly left the kettle on. Simply a star!
Gringotts was brilliant without threatening fresh behind the world-class Autumn Glow. The Per Incanto strips fitter, and the big boy turned heads recently at the trials. The mile suits, and the form around him is elite. Nash Rawiller could ride a broomstick to victory at present, and he is must for all broader multiples and exotics. If the short-priced favourite has an off-day or experiences traffic issues, he can capitalise.
Suggested Bet: Autumn Glow @ $1.30
