2020 Underwood Stakes Preview, Odds, and Tips

Ten runners have been locked in to contest the Group 1 2020 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, with all eyes sure to be on Cox Plate favourite Russian Camelot.

The track is currently rated a Good 4, though with predicted rain late Friday, the track may be playing at a Soft 5 or Soft 6, which I’m banking on here. The rail is out 6 metres, and may favour those coming off the fence after the traffic in the middle lanes last week with the rail out 3 metres.

1 – Gailo Chop – $91 ?

Missed the start first up in the Makybe Diva Stakes and just plugged along. He’ll be better second up and managed to place in this race last year with the same preparation. I think he can run a drum at the big price.

2 – Humidor – $15

A massive return to form first up in the Feehan Stakes with a win over Surprise Baby and Harbour Views. With the golden ticket to the Cox Plate already secured and the possibility of being stuck several pairs back on the rail, I’m looking elsewhere on this occasion.

RESULT |

Humidor is back! ?@LaneDamian has given the veteran an absolute peach of a ride to weave through and claim the Group 2 Feehan Stakes @TheValley, locking in a Cox Plate spot for @cwallerracing ?pic.twitter.com/M5gmcnsc17

— RSN927am (@RSN927) September 5, 2020

3 – Trap For Fools – $91

Another grand old campaigner, who would need to channel Black Heart Bart’s effort from last year to have a chance. Generally needs a run to be at his best, and probably looking for longer these days.

4 – Levendi – $126

Hasn’t done much since his Australian Derby win which is now 128 weeks ago, and would need to really step it up to run a place.

5 – So Si Bon – $26

Stuck on well to snag a place in the Makybe Diva Stakes and is racing well, but I think the mile is right on his limit, let alone here at the 1800m. Would need everything going right to hang on for a place.

6 – Mr Quickie – $8 ?

Monster run first up in the Memsie Stakes behind Behemoth, but if the rain comes, it’s a big question mark. Won’t mind stepping up the 1800m and should be better with added fitness, and is certainly well worth including in exotics.

The big boy BEHEMOTH wins his first Group 1 – @mmsnippets Memsie Stakes @GrandSyndicates @DJollyRacing @VineryStud @CWilliamsJockey pic.twitter.com/sDjXBXaSGo

— 7HorseRacing ? (@7horseracing) August 29, 2020

7 – The Chosen One – $14

Did well to win over the 1700m last start but this is significantly harder competition, and has only placed twice in eight attempts at Group One level previously. Would need to find a few lengths to challenge.

8 – Harbour Views – $12 ??

Just missed last start in the Feehan after doing some work in the run returning from a 10-week freshen. Will be fitter here and ready to go, and I think is great value for the place and exotics, and possibly the biggest threat to Russian Camelot.

9 – Arcadia Queen – $4.80 ?

Is she back? Big run last start but couldn’t quite get past Pretty Brazen. This is a big step up especially with the bar plates still on and the possibility of a soft track to contend with, which she doesn’t particularly enjoy. Is a class galloper but would need to be back at her best to give this a real shake, and we’re yet to see that this preparation.

10 – Russian Camelot – $2  ???

What can you say? Was five wide the trip in the Makybe Diva Stakes and lost no fans with his monstrous run behind Fierce Impact. Could come out and absolutely make a mess of this field, but $2 is a skinny price. You’d expect him to win, but I don’t think I’ll be backing the truck up at the current quote.

Tip: 10-8-6-9

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

2020 Underwood Stakes Odds

*Odds correct at time of posting this article.