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.

Thriller! Anthony Van Dyck defeats Stradivarius to win the Group 2 Qatar Prix Foy for @mickaelbarzalon and Aidan O’Brien at @paris_longchamp! pic.twitter.com/44roL9x7vm

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 13, 2020

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.

Frankel entire Mirage Dancer gets up in The Metropolitan. ?@nashhot at his very best! pic.twitter.com/ZVDUPL8gpd

— 7HorseRacing ? (@7horseracing) October 3, 2020

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.

?WIN OF THE DAY ?

"What a courageous performance!" — @hkdarren

Verry Elleegant does all the tough work to win the G1 Winx Stakes named after her popular stablemate @RoyalRandwick. @SkyRacingWorld pic.twitter.com/bdVWHtedMa

— TVG (@TVG) August 22, 2020

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.

She's now a five-time Group 1 winner. ?

How could you doubt her, Verry Elleegant so tough in the Turnbull Stakes. ? @FlemingtonVRC pic.twitter.com/vXXhk23DYt

— Racing.com (@Racing) October 3, 2020

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.

Chapada wins his way into the Caulfield Cup ?? well done everyone. #JoinBallymoreAndWin @MelbRacingClub @stacki25 @PMBRacing @inglis_sales pic.twitter.com/ZU0IkN8lsr

— Ballymore Stables (@BallymoreStabls) October 10, 2020

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