Free Horse Racing Tips

2022 Caulfield Cup Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

The Group 1 Caulfield Cup is a 2400m handicap race run at Caulfield Racecourse. The $5m feature is Australia’s premier mile and a half race and the winner becomes exempt from ballot in the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup. Star kiwi mare, Ethereal, was the last horse to win the illustrious Cup’s double back in 2001. 

Last year’s Caulfield Cup was taken out by Queensland giant-killer, Incentivise, with Brett Prebble on board, before a gallant second in the Melbourne Cup seventeen days later.

Last start Turnbull Stakes winner, Smokin’ Romans, has come up favourite for this year’s Caulfield Cup and is currently $4.40 with Dabble. Randwick based galloper, Benaud, is the only other runner in single figures at $9.00, with a host of runners around the $10-$12 mark.

With such an open market and no real standout this year, it looks a tough race for punters. So, we have dissected each of the horses’ chances for you and provided our horse racing tips! Read on below to find our runner by runner preview of the 2022 Caulfield Cup along with The Shark’s best tips. 

1. Gold Trip (12) – $13
Jockey – Mark Zahra 57.5kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Had every chance in the Naturalism two back before covering ground and whacking away well last start in the Turnbull. Gets to 2400m now which looks ideal and should get a nice run behind the speed. Looks a top three hope.

2. Duais (9) – $13
Jockey – Joshua Parr 55.5kg
Trainer – Edward Cummings

Just even last start in the Turnbull but the tempo of the race probably wasn’t suitable. She’s a G1 winner at 2400m and here at Caulfield, and should enjoy a cosy run from the gate. Big query will be how wet the track is come Saturday, as she’s better on top of the ground.


3. Knights Order (18) – $11
Jockey – Tim Clark 55.5kg
Trainer – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott

Led and held on well last start in the Turnbull to continue his consistent form this prep. Barrier no help but he will be ridden aggressively early to secure the front spot. Likes the wet and is a two time winner at the trip. Has to be considered.

4. Montefilia (16) – $19
Jockey – Jason Collett 55.5kg
Trainer – David Payne

Ran well first up in the George Main before an even effort in the Hill Stakes last start, where she was sent out a short priced favourite. Should be ready to peak here third up and raced last start like the 2400m will suit. Will need some luck from the gate but has the class to figure in the finish.

5. Numerian (10) – $12
Jockey – Tommy Berry 55.5kg
Trainer – Annabel Neasham

Come back well this prep with two placings at G2 level. Starting to really find his feet in Australia and gets a good opportunity to win a G1 major here. He handles all conditions, will ride the speed and should be in it for a long way. 

6. Nonconformist (15) – $12
Jockey – Jordan Childs 54.5kg
Trainer – Grahame Begg

Runner up in this race last year who has raced at the top level all prep. Ran an improved race last start behind Anamoe in the Caulfield Stakes and looks to be crying out for 2400m. The gate is no help but he looks ready to do something now and gets an opportunity to go one better this year.

7. Vow And Declare (17) – $26
Jockey – Blake Shinn 54kg
Trainer – Danny O’Brien

Rattled home at Flemington two back before a luckless fifth in the Bart Cummings last time out. Looks to be going well enough to run a big race here but comes up with a horror gate and doesn’t have a great record here at Caulfield.


8. No Compromise (13) – $20
Jockey – Craig Newitt 53.5kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Charged home and got the money last start in the Metropolitan over this trip. Although this is tougher, he rarely runs a bad race and should get conditions to suit yet again. Looks an each-way chance at good odds.

9. Alegron (14) – $11
Jockey – Ethan Brown 53kg
Trainer – James Cummings

Good win last start in the Kingston Town at Randwick beating Benaud and Knights Order. That form ties in well here and he’s won up to 2800m, suggesting the trip is no worries. Stable is flying and he has to be considered a live hope down in the weights.

10. Benaud (20) – $9.00
Jockey – Regan Bayliss 53kg
Trainer – John O’Shea

Found the line well in first three runs back this prep before a close up sixth in a star-studded Caulfield Stakes last start. Will need some luck from the car park draw but looks ready for the 2400m now and will be hard to beat with no weight on his back.

11. Great House (3) – $23
Jockey – Brett Prebble 53kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Flew home first up at Flemington before another solid effort last start in the Turnbull, where the pattern was against. Gets in well at the weights here and is going well enough to be right in the finish. 

12. Inspirational Girl (1) – $15
Jockey – Jye McNeil 53kg
Trainer – Danny O’Brien

Satisfactory return behind Mr Brightside at Moonee Valley before attacking the line in the Turnbull last start, running good late splits. Should be primed for this third up but the 2400m in trying conditions may test her.


13. Maximal (19) – $26
Jockey – Ben Melham 53kg
Trainer – John O’Shea

*This horse has since been scratched.*

Good run last start in the Turnbull behind Smokin’ Romans. Key to this bloke is dry ground and he certainly won’t get that here. May be better suited in a Cox Plate?

14. Sound (4) – $126
Jockey – Blaike McDougall 53kg
Trainer – Michael Moroney

Well beaten in the Feehan and JRA Cup last two. Will get a soft run from the low draw, stays all day and handles all conditions. Not the worst.

15. Chapada (11) – $61
Jockey – Daniel Stackhouse 52.5kg
Trainer – Michael Moroney

Ran well in the Naturalism two back before safely held last start in the Turnbull. Doesn’t win out of turn but can bob up in the placings from time to time in these sorts of races.

16. Crystal Pegasus (2) – $71
Jockey – Damien Thornton 52kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Hasn’t been sighted in three runs this prep, the latest in the Turnbull. Gets out to 2400m which should suit but not racing well enough to win this.

17. Smokin’ Romans (5) – $4.40F
Jockey – Jamie Kah 51.5kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Proved his Naturalism win was no fluke with a dominant display in the Turnbull last start. Drawn well here with in form jockey, Jamie Kah, on board and has won three times over 2500m, suggesting the trip is no worries. Is a deserved favourite and looks hard to beat on recent form.


18. Tralee Rose (8) – $81
Jockey – Dean Yendall 51.5kg
Trainer – Symon Wilde

Hasn’t done much in two runs back this prep. Better suited up in trip here and should get a nice run in transit, but has to find some of her old form to be competitive.

19e. Durston (6) – $23
Jockey – Michael Dee 51.5kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Bolted in both the Wyong and Newcastle Cup before finishing a close up midfield in the Metrop last start. He looked the winner at the furlong there but got bogged down once the rider let his head go. Unfortunately he will have to cop another heavy track here which is a shame because he’s absolutely flying.

20e. Makram (7) – $26
Jockey – N/A 50kg
Trainer – Ben & JD Hayes

Chased hard last start at this track/trip behind Saracen Knight. Racing in good form and gets in on the minimum here from a good gate. If he can handle the heavy conditions he might run a cheeky race at big odds.

Final Word

This year’s Caulfield Cup looks a very open race. We saw Wednesday’s Thousand Guineas meeting run on a Heavy10 surface and more rain has since fallen, ensuring it should remain in the heavy range come Saturday. Knights Order looks the obvious leader and should ensure a genuine tempo.


Going to put ATC Derby runner up, Benaud, on top. He’s found the line well in every run this prep and wasn’t beaten far by Anamoe last Saturday in the Caulfield Stakes. He’s drawn wide but will go back and he’s crying out for 2400m.

Metropolitan winner, No Compromise, will be hard to beat again. He gets conditions to suit and gets in light again with 53.5kg on his back. Stablemate, Durston, is flying and would’ve been my top pick had the rain not come.

Smokin’ Romans is a deserved favourite and will be hard to beat, as will the likely leader, Knights Order, who is racing in good form and loves the wet. Duais and Montefilia are classy mares who aren’t racing as well as they have in the past, but could easily figure if they can find their best form, as can Nonconformist.

Caulfield Cup TipLogo

10. Benaud – Each-way ($9.00/$3.00)

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Best Caulfield Cup Tip: 10. Benaud – Each-way ($9.00/$3.00)

If you need more news, information and tips, head over to our Caulfield Cup page for all your punting needs!

*Odds correct at time of writing, courtesy of Dabble.

Free Horse Racing Tips

2021 Caulfield Cup Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

One of the biggest races world-wide is finally here. The 2021 Caulfield Cup is upon us and there are 18 extremely talented horses looking to make a name for themselves by taking out the crown. The track is currently rated a soft (6), as of early Thursday afternoon, and the BOM, albeit the most unreliable source at the moment, has predicted anywhere from 20-50mm between now and 5:15pm, when the race will be run. 

However, the track is expected to be at the high end of soft, rather than heavy, meaning every horse should still have their chance. Always be wary of how the track is playing on the day and if any rain falls, how that impacts where the winners are coming from, not only their position in the running but how wide they are on the home straight as well. 

Sportsbet have Incentivise as a drifting favourite, opening at $2 but sitting at $2.50 at the time of writing thanks to the barrier draw. While a 50c drift may not seem like much to punters and won’t have much of an impact on your payout if you launch into him, drifting from $2 to $2.50 is the equivalent of decreasing from a 50% chance of winning to just a 40% chance of winning. Comparatively, a horse with $10 odds is only given a 10% chance of winning, meaning The Chosen One’s price halving from $26 to $13 would barely even be a 5% increase in his chance of winning.


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While the odds aren’t everything and the chance of winning isn’t solely determined by the odds, it is worth noting what the price changes mean, especially when a horse has such a low quote about them. In saying that, you don’t need to worry when we have broken down every aspect of the race, studied the form and found the winner of the Caulfield Cup for you. Read on below to find out runner by runner preview and best tips for the 2021 Caulfield Cup!

1. Homesman (13) – $46
Jockey – Jordan Childs
Trainer – Anthony & Sam Freedman

Homesman gives himself every chance by settling on speed, the rise up in distance definitely helps and he has good form on soft tracks, 4:2-1-0, showing that he may be over the odds. However, he is on the quick backup and carries the top weight in this race and that may be his undoing. He may not win the race but is a good exotics play.

2. Incentivise (20) – $2.50
Jockey – Brett Prebble
Trainer – Peter Moody

While he has drawn the carpark and is drifting in the market, he is clearly the best horse in the race and has the best form, winning the Makybe Diva and Turnbull Stakes. His best ratings performance was over 2400m when he won the G3 Tatt’s Cup in June by 12L, proving we may not have even seen the best of him yet. Brett Prebble is also the most in-form jockey in the state, potentially the country, and will give him a great steer. 

3. Explosive Jack (1) – $15
Jockey – John Allen
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

There are a couple of things working in Explosive Jack’s favour here. He is 3:2-0-1 at the distance, which he seems to be looking for after running the fastest last 200m in the Turnbull Stakes, while he is 6:3-1-0 on soft tracks and is 1/1 third up. The Maher/Eustace stable is flying with their runners in 2000m+ races and will have him primed for this race, but is this or the Melbourne Cup his grand final?

4. The Chosen One (9) – $13
Jockey – Damian Lane
Trainer – Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman

The Chosen One finished third in this race last year, which was arguably a stronger edition of the Caulfield Cup. He also has been on fire this prep without winning, running third, fourth and second, with his last 200m last week being the fastest of the entire day, outside the sprints races. The quick back up is perfect for him and Damian Lane sticking on is also a big tick, considering he has the most winners of all Victorian jockeys this season and has finished in the top five in 65% of his rides. 

5. Ocean Billy (7) – $91
Jockey – Damien Thornton
Trainer – Chris Waller

The Auckland Cup winner has made his way across the ditch and under the care of Chris Waller, will be looking to make a splash here. He does have soft track form but there are a fair few better in this race. 

6. Selino (17) – $101
Jockey – Fred Kersley
Trainer – Chris Waller

Selino won the Sydney Cup at the end of last prep and has now run fourth in the Bart Cummings last start, proving he can run a big race. However, he seems to be looking for further and has dropped back in distance in this run and has no wet track form.

7. Persan (11) – $26
Jockey – Linda Meech
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

He is continuing to make his way up in distance, Linda Meech is a great booking and he is from the Maher/Eustace camp but Persan may still be asking for further and he hasn’t been running as well this prep compared to what we have seen of him in the past. Looks more of a Melbourne Cup play than a Caulfield Cup play here. 

8. Quick Thinker (SCR – Friday Morning)

9. Chapada (18) – $71
Jockey – Daniel Stackhouse
Trainer – Michael Moroney

Chapada had an eye-catching run in the Turnbull, running past Verry Elleegant to finish third behind Incentivise and Young Werther, but that may have been his peak. The wide draw doesn’t help him here and his better form may actually be back at 2000m. 

10. Delphi (19) – $7.50
Jockey – Damien Oliver
Trainer – Anthony & Sam Freedman

On the quick back-up after an impressive 1L win in the Herbert Power Stakes last week, Delphi is the second favourite in the race and impressed Damien Oliver enough that Olly will cut down to 53kg to ride him half a kilo over his set 52.5kg. That is the lightest that Olly has ridden in over 10 years, highlighting how much he thinks of this horse and his chances in the race. He has good Europe staying form, has won on a soft track previously and will give himself every chance by racing up on speed, where he could just burst away going around the bend. Delphi is definitely a major player.  

11. Master Of Wine (10) – $34
Jockey – Dean Holland
Trainer – Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes

Master Of Wine looked to be in the bin through his first three runs this prep but had a very impressive third in the Bart Cummings over 2520m last start. However, he started third favourite in this race last year, where he had a better lead up and that race was much harder, and he still only finished 10th. If the rain genuinely comes and gets to a heavy range, it opens it up for him but that would be his only saviour. 

12. Montefilia (12) – $17
Jockey – Jye McNeil
Trainer – David Payne

This four-year-old mare has had an exceptional preparation, finishing no worse than third in all three of her runs, including a last-start win in the 2400m Metropolitan, which rated very well . She is the equal-third best rated horse in the race but drops 3.5kg from her last start to just 52kg and gets Jye McNeil on board, who won a Group One here last weekend in the Toorak Handicap. Montefilia is exceptional on wet tracks, has won fourth up and given how fast they will go up the front her, she may be in the perfect spot to swoop late and claim this. 

13. Port Guillaume (6) – $91
Jockey – Harry Coffey
Trainer – Ben & JD Hayes

His second up run in the Naturalism was impressive but he regressed last start in the Bart Cummings, finishing last of 16. Based on that inconsistency, he is hard to trust, but the soft track will play into his favour. He could have a big run but happy to look elsewhere. 

14. She’s Ideel (5) – $35
Jockey – Craig Newitt
Trainer – Bjorn Baker

She’s Ideel has had an interesting preparation so far but gets the blinkers on for this run, which may be her grand final. She was beaten comfortably last start in the Metropolitan but actually beat Montefilia over 2000m in the run prior. It was a soft track there, which she will get here, and that is clearly a big positive for her, but it seems to be for a lot of horses in the race so it comes down to whether she is good enough. She drops 3kg from her last start and could come from the back given the fast pace set, but is she good enough?

15. Young Werther (8) – $10
Jockey – Daniel Moor
Trainer – Danny O’Brien

Young Werther had an eye-catching finish in the Turnbull Stakes, finishing half a length behind Incentivise. Given he has run fifth over 1700m and second over 2000m, despite running better over further, he seems primed to run well here in the Caulfield Cup. He drops 1.5kg for this race, is flying this prep and has drawn perfectly in barrier 8, meaning he will have plenty of protection throughout the race and could be primed to burst home late. If it gets to a genuinely soft track then that may not be his go, but he is an exotics chance at a minimum.

16. Nonconformist (16) – $12
Jockey – Craig Williams
Trainer – Grahame Begg

Nonconformist is in career best form and that was shown in his second placing in last week’s Caulfield Stakes, beating home Zaaki and just missed Probabeel on the line. He now drops 8.5kg from that start last week to 51.5kg, and looks primed to explode for his grand final here ratings wise. He beat home Delphi and Grand Promenade two runs ago and is one of the best form horses in the race, especially at the weights. 

17. Duais (3) – $17
Jockey – Michael Dee
Trainer – Edward Cummings

Despite already being in the Caulfield Cup field before the run, Duais came out to win Wednesday’s Coongy Cup and is now primed on the quick back-up. She drops 6kg from that run, which was run slowly throughout the early stages, which is the perfect set up for the quick back-up here. She gets a good gate and has won the Queensland Oaks over 2200m as $2.80 favourite, meaning she knows how to win. This could be a peak run from her and she is a definite exotics play, if not more. 

18. Charms Star (4) – $81
Jockey – Dean Yendall
Trainer – Chris Waller

Finished seventh in the Metropolitan despite running at the limit weight of 50kg there, meaning there may be no improvement to come. Chris Waller knows a thing or two about grand finals but she was lucky to get in here and there are plenty better. 

19e. Great House (2) – $91
Jockey –
Trainer – Chris Waller

With the scratching of Quick Thinker on Friday morning, Great House is in! He had a good win in the Newcastle Cup then a vallant fifth in the Metropolitan, plus he likes a wet track and is low in the weights, but he didn’t make the original field for a reason. 

20e. Constantinople (15) – $251
Jockey –
Trainer – Aaron Purcell

Has no form leading up to this and is likely to not even get a run. 

Final Word

Well, can anything beat Incentivise? Is he too short in the market given the field of 18 horses has some exceptional talent and some horses indicating they are ready to peak here. Given the odds on offer, we are looking to get him beat in the Caulfield Cup. He clearly has exceptional form, winning eight straight races, including two straight Group Ones, and would be the first horse to win three straight Group Ones since Winx. However, he may be flat with only two weeks between runs after a very fast-paced race in the Turnbull and may be caught three wide based on the draw. 

Three of the last six favourites, since 2015, have won the Caulfield Cup but when expanding the data range, nine winners have had odds of $10+ since 2008. When factoring in weight, four winners since 2010 have carried 52.5kg or less and when factoring in age, four-year-olds have won six of the last 11 runnings. If we are looking for a horse that is $10+, carrying 52.5kg or less and is a four-year-old, we are left with Montefilia, Young Werther, Duais and Charms Star. We are happy to put a line through the latter, with the first three presenting as live chances in this race. 

Young Werther had his crack at Incentivise in the Turnbull and looked to have him beat but the favourite fought back to win, could that be a factor? Duais looks fine with the quick back-up but the closing splits of the Coongy Cup on Wednesday were fast and that may impact her here. That leaves us with Montefilia, who has finished top three in all of her runs this prep and is coming off a very impressive last-start win in the G1 Metropolitan. She has won fourth up previously, the booking of Jye McNeil is a positive and at odds of $17/$4.60, Montefilia looks an incredible play in the 2021 Caulfield Cup. Given Sportsbet are offering bonus back up to fifth and Montefilia has finished in the top three in all of her runs this prep, you should feel comfortably about winning at big odds or getting a bonus back at a minimum.

Best Caulfield Cup Tip: Montefilia – Each-Way ($17/$4.60)

Don’t stop here, there is plenty of feature racing happening around the country this weekend! If you want to check out our Runner-By-Runner analysis of The Everest, click here! If you want a preview of the best country-trained horses going head to head in The Kosciuszko, click here

If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our Caulfield Cup page for all your punting needs!

*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of Sportsbet.

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October 24: Cox Plate Day Review – The Shark Club Runs Riot!

It was a massive day of spring action, with the Cox Plate (2040m) headlining things at The Valley and the $1 million The Bondi (1600m) the feature in Sydney.

The Shark prides himself on performing on the big days, and he certainly did that, putting on an absolute clinic across the board, check out the results below!

The Shark Club Results:

Tiger Of Malay @ 18.00 ?✅
I Am Eloquent @ 21.00 ?✅
Eva’s Deel @ 13.00 ❌
Oceanex @ 13.00 ?✅
La Mexicana @ 5.00 ?✅
Occupy @ 43.00 ❌
Bella Nipotina @ 4.45 ?✅
Kings Will Dream @ 6.00 ?✅
Kolding @ 16.00 ❌
Rondinella @ 8.00 ?✅
Athiri @ 5.00 ?✅

Tiger Of Malay – $18

Early season two-year-old races can often be a bit of a raffle, but The Shark was confident with Tiger Of Malay, sending it out to The Shark Club at a massive $18, with it duly saluting with an impressive sustained sprint to the line!

I Am Eloquent – $21/$5

Sovereign Award was always going to be tough to beat, especially with the rails in run track pattern that developed throughout the day.

I Am Eloquent gave The Shark Club a sight at $21, but we’ll nonetheless scoop up the very generous $5 place price.

La Mexicana – $5

The pockets were already full but it’s always nice to finish with a bang, and La Mexicana provided us just that in the last, getting headed with about 50m remaining and fighting back strongly to win in the last, and give The Shark Club one final fill up!

It was a huge day at the office for The Shark, who is hitting vintage form at just the right time of the year!

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October 17: 3 Must Watch Horses on 2020 Caulfield Cup Day

It’s a huge 10 race card at The Heath headlined by the 2020 Caulfield Cup (2400m), with plenty of opportunities to build the bank before the main event!

Let’s take a look at a few to keep an eye on tomorrow…

Race 2 – 3YO Fillies Plate – 1400m

I think the favourite Rainbiel ($2.60) can be taken on here, with a few runners at big overs in the market.

The best of them looks to be Anitra ($17) who ran bravely to finish behind Poland and Grandslam, with the latter coming out and running a huge race in the Caulfield Guineas. Looks to be very strong form for a race of this quality, and I’ll definitely be on at the price.

Verdict: I’ll be backing Anitra each way at $17/$3.90.

Watch: Anitra run solidly behind Poland and Grandslam last start.

 

Race 5 – Ethereal Stakes – 2000m

Starelle ($4.20) started from a long way back in the Edward Manifold Stakes and just went down to Thermosphere. Was strong through the line and looks like she’ll eat up 2000m on a VRC Oaks path. Gains Damien Oliver and looks a very good price at the moment.

Verdict: I’ll be backing Starelle at $4.20.

Watch: Starelle just go down to Thermosphere last start.

Race 6 – Alinghi Stakes – 1100m

Fituese ($2.80) had a monstrous first up win over Masked Crusader and has been given a 5-week break between runs to freshen her up for this. Is undefeated at the distance and looks a class above the rest of them, and has Willo onboard. More than happy to pile into the price on offer.

Verdict: I’ll be backing Fituese at $2.80.

Watch: Fituese win well last start over Hilo and Masked Crusader.

Race 9 – Caulfield Cup – 2400m

Click here for a full runner-by-runner analysis of the 2020 Caulfield Cup!

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2020 Caulfield Cup Preview, Odds, & Tips

Some punters have knocked the field for the 2020 Caulfield Cup (2400m) but it shapes to be an intriguing battle between the international raiders, headed by Anthony Van Dyck, and the local hopes led by Verry Elleegant.

The track is currently rated a Good 4, but a lot depends on the weather between now and 5.15pm Saturday. If the rain comes then expect Verry Elleegant and Master Of Wine to be crunched in price, and others like Anthony Van Dyck to ease in the market.

Let’s take a look at each and every runner lining up in the $5 million contest.

1 – Anthony Van Dyck – $6.50 ???

One of the best internationals we’ve seen come out in recent years, with an excellent form line coming from Europe, including a last start win over champion Stradivarius.

The only knock is that he’s drawn the carpark out in 21, and will have to do a stack of work in the run. Regardless, he’s probably good enough to overcome the draw and the weight, and is right in this, and has to be on your side on race day.

2 – Avilius – $34 ??

This old boy is a polarising figure, but I think that he’s been travelling well this prep, hitting the line well first up in the Chelmsford Stakes, and putting in a monster effort in the Hill Stakes. Hits this fourth up with a good platform, and certainly won’t mind the rain coming. Goes in all exotics, think he is overs at the current price.

3 – Vow And Declare – $41

It’s hard to get enthused about the reigning Melbourne Cup winner here, carrying the big weight in what isn’t the grand final for this horse. Has done just enough in his two starts this prep in the Makybe Diva Stakes and the Turnbull Stakes and is only just getting into his preferred staying distances now.

4 – Buckhurst – $12 ??

Joseph O’Brien certainly knows the sorts of horses to bring out here, and Buckhurst looks to fit the profile. Lightly raced with some big scalps in Europe, including a win over Cox Plate fancy Sir Dragonet. Has the tactical speed to sit up on the pace and may roll forward from the gate. Looks a big danger if things fall his way.

5 – Mirage Dancer – $18 ?

Opened at $26 so there’s already been some early support for The Metropolitan winner, who is 1kg lighter than last year where he ran third in this race. Has been in good form and I think he can be in the finish for your exotics.

6 – Mustajeer – $101

The price says it all, has no chance.

7 – Verry Elleegant – $5.50 ???

Super impressive first up when circling the field in the Winx Stakes, and did it again in the Turnbull when looking very strong through the line, and answering queries about her ability on firmer tracks.

Has drawn a great gate, steps up in distance, and will love if the rain comes. Is very hard to knock, and is a massive chance here, must go in everything.

8 – Dashing Willoughby – $31

Another European invader. Not sure he’s got the turn of foot of some of the others here, and his grand final looks to be the Melbourne Cup. Happy to be against him.

9 – Finche – $13 ?

It’s hard not to like the big giraffe, a very honest runner who will be in this for a long way. Has been tracking well this preparation and should definitely be in the finish here, worth including in exotics.

10 – Prince Of Arran – $21

By all reports has been looking in very good condition, but has drawn a shocker of a gate out in 19. I doubt they’ll roll forward and risk busting him up for the Melbourne Cup in a few weeks, I think they’ll just be happy for him to hit the line strongly here.

11 – Master Of Wine – $8 ???

Has been backed in from $10 and will only keep firming if the rain comes. Has long been targeting this race and the Hawkes team are flying, especially in grand finals. Has done just enough this preparation without being spectacular, and must go in everything. Looks the one to upset the two market leaders.

12 – The Chosen One – $91

Not travelling well enough, the price tells the story.

13 – Warning – $26

A tough one, he hit the line really well in the Turnbull and will eat up the 2400m. He’s drawn a shocker of a gate and will probably be giving them too much of a head start to win because of the draw. He’s in good form and I’ll certainly be following in the Melbourne Cup.

14 – Dalasan – $16

Has been given a good platform by the Macdonald & Gluyas team, but I’m not sure he’s got the x factor to win a Caulfield Cup. Looks unders in the market.

15 – True Self – $34

Had a shocker of a run in the Ebor 8 weeks ago, and has had a very mediocre preparation as a whole. Doesn’t look in good enough form to challenge.

16 – Aktau

Scratched

17 – Toffee Tongue – $16 ??

Bit of a surprise packet here, a Waller mare well down in the weights and in-form, finishing second in the Turnbull behind Verry Elleegant. She ran a personal best there and would need to lift again, but I think she’s got a sneaky chance and is worth including in exotics.

18 – Chapada – $26

Hit the line strongly behind Orderofthegarter two starts ago then won a last minute entry by turning him over in the Herbert Power Stakes. Rock bottom in the weights off the quick back up, can probably run in the top half of the field.

19 – Raheen House – $251

Has gained a run thanks to the scratching of Aktau, but has no real hope of winning.

20 – San Huberto – $101

Looks to be targeting the Melbourne Cup.

21 – Oceanex – $151

Probably won’t get a run and isn’t good enough if she does.

22 – Le Don De Vie – $71

Slim hope of starting.

Tip: 7-11-1-2 – but think Buckhurst (4) and Toffee Tongue (17) are right in it as well.

? = Must Watch
? = Big Winning Chance
?= Worth Including in Exotics

2020 Caulfield Cup Field, Barriers, & Odds

HorseWinPlace
1Anthony Van Dyck (21)J: Hugh Bowman 58.5kg T: A O’brien$6.00$2.25
2Avilius (17)J: John Allen 57kg T: James Cummings$26.00$6.50
3Vow And Declare (18)J: Damien Oliver 57kg T: D T O’brien$34.00$8.00
4Buckhurst (9)J: Ben Melham 55kg T: Joseph O’brien$11.00$3.50
5Mirage Dancer (6)J: Craig Newitt 55kg T: T Busuttin & N Young$17.00$5.00
6Mustajeer (15)J: Billy Egan 55kg T: K A Lees$91.00$21.00
7Verry Elleegant (11)J: Mark Zahra 55kg T: C J Waller$5.00$2.00
8Dashing Willoughby (2)J: Michael Walker 54.5kg T: Andrew Balding$21.00$6.00
9Finche (12)J: Damian Lane 54.5kg T: C J Waller$12.00$3.80
10Prince Of Arran (19)J: Jamie Kah 54.5kg T: Charlie Fellowes$18.00$5.50
11Master Of Wine (7)J: Craig Williams 53.5kg T: M, W & J Hawkes$8.00$2.80
12The Chosen One (3)J: Daniel Stackhouse 53.5kg T: M Baker & A Forsman$81.00$19.00
13Warning (20)J: Luke Currie 53kg T: A & S Freedman$26.00$6.50
14Dalasan (14)J: William Pike 52.5kg T: L Macdonald & A Gluyas$14.00$4.20
15True Self (4)J: Declan Bates 52kg T: W P Mullins$34.00$8.00
16Aktau (1)J: Daniel Moor 51kg T: M D Moroney$91.00$21.00
17Toffee Tongue (5)J: Michael Dee 51kg T: C J Waller$14.00$4.20
18Chapada (16)J: Jye Mcneil 50.5kg T: M D Moroney$21.00$6.00
19Raheen House (22)J: Daniel Moor 53.5kg T: K A Lees$201.00$31.00
20San Huberto (10)J: Fred W Kersley 53.5kg T: Matthew Cumani$71.00$18.00
21Oceanex (8)J: Zac Spain 51.5kg T: M Price & M Kent Jnr$126.00$26.00
22Le Don De Vie (13)J: Unknown 52.5kg T: A & S Freedman$67.00$17.00