The Group 1 Caulfield Guineas is the feature event in Melbourne this Saturday, while racing in Sydney heads to Rosehill Gardens for the Group 2 Hill Stakes meeting.
Caulfield RACE 7
#6 Sheza Alibi
Sheza Alibi is a star. Her performance in the Makybe Diva at Flemington was breathtaking, and she looks well placed in the company. The flashy Saxon Warrior mare continues to astonish punters, and her effort first-up behind the near-unbeaten Autumn Glow must be respected. Her versatility alone puts one hoof on the till, and she will jump well into the red. Only bad luck in traffic or an off day will stop her winning ways.
Birdman returned to form with a dominant display in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes. The Free Eagle gelding put a classy field to the sword a long way from home, and the race was over before they ran for the doctor. He runs into a star on Saturday; however, he is the obvious danger, and his record at the journey must be respected. The 59kg is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Sheza Alibi @ $1.40
Caulfield Race 8
#5 Blind Raise
Blind Raise has hardly put a foot wrong during the early stages of his career. The Ace High gelding was a brilliant last winner in a traditional lead-up race, and the form out of that event reads incredibly well for this. The mile suits, and the appointment of Blake Shinn could prove the winning difference. The perfect inside draw will allow him to camp behind the leaders, and if he sees clear air as run for the money, he can loom to win. Hard to toss!
Warwoven is racing well at present. The Sword Of State Colt is a turf burner, and the big boy always makes his own luck piloting the field. The form around him is elite, and I suspect he is ready to produce a peak run on Saturday. From the middle draw, Rachel King can find the bunny, and if he can cheat the clock throughout, the race could be over as they swing the bend. I expect him to jump as an odds-on favourite; however, I am happy to risk him over the longer trip. He may be vulnerable in the shadows.
Suggested Bet: Blind Raise @ $3.60
#13 Changing Colours
Changing Colours represents great value each way. The Autumn Sun mare is flying at present, and she has been climbing through her grades in fine style. The lightly raced six-year-old deserves her chance at the elite level, and a win here could launch her into some lofty spring majors. The featherweight puts her into the mix, and her record at the journey speaks volumes. The class rise might be a bridge too far.
Warnie can bowl them over here. The Highland Reel gelding turned heads two starts back at Sandown against quality opposition, and he was ok without threatening at his latest outing. He looks well placed under handicap conditions, and the ‘King’ will be savaging the line late from another postcode. I am unsure whether the tight Caulfield circuits will suit his racing pattern and style.
Suggested Bet: Changing Colours @ $8.00
Rosehill Gardens Race 7
#3 Attrition
Attrition loves this time of year. The Group 1 Toorak Handicap and Group 2 Hill Stakes winner explodes on this weekend annually, and I suspect another peak run is on the card Saturday. All runs this campaign have been good without winning, and all roads lead to this event. He is a fourth-up specialist, and his current preparation mirrors his previous successful campaigns. Yes please!
Lindermann is coming off a rare poor performance in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes. The perennial front-runner was the first to be beaten on straightening, and he didn’t show his usual kick or fight. I suspect he doesn’t enjoy the Melbourne way of going, and he looks more suited back on his home base. He will look the winner as heads turn for home, and if he is back to his best, he will prove hard to run down. Take on trust!
Suggested Bet: Attrition @ $7.00
Rosehill Gardens Race 8
#8 Estadio Mestalla
Estadio Mestalla caught the eyes of punters second-up behind the talented Skyhook. The veteran galloper strips fitter, and he finds a more suitable journey on Saturday. The Galileo Gold gelding is a third-up specialist, and I suspect his quote will continue to shorten if the predicted rain lobs. Chad Schofield has a fantastic association with the big boy, and a win here wouldn’t surprise. Over the odds!
Sepals was brilliant first-up behind Angel Capital in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke. The Calyx gelding races well second-up, and his record at the trip is near perfect. His pilot is in career-best form, and his opening quote has received strong support. The carpark draw may decide his fate during the opening furlong; however, if he can find a decent spot early, he may prove too strong late.
Suggested Bet: Estadio Mestalla @ $20.00
Rosehill Gardens Race 9
#12 She's An Artist
She’s An Artist was good without winning at her latest outing. The Trapeze Artist mare is ready to explode third-up from a spell, and the longer trip is ideal at this stage of her campaign. The form behind Golden Straand reads well for this event, and she has been well supported in most all-in markets. She tends to find one or two better at the pointy end of the contest.
Annie’s Rose is over the odds. The Sepoy mare was an impressive last-start winner at Rosehill, and she meets similar opposition. The 1200m seems to challenge her, however; I suspect she is rock-hard fit and ready for another crack at the six-furlongs after a lengthy and consistent preparation. She can challenge even luck in transit.
Suggested Bet: She’s An Artist @ $6.00
