Another Caulfield Stakes, another small field with an overwhelmingly short-priced favourite. Russian Camelot was rolled at the skinny $1.40 quote last year, will the same fate befall Zaaki this time around?
Read on to find out, as we look at each and every runner in the 2021 Caulfield Stakes!
1. Homesman (2) – $12
Jockey – Jye McNeil
Trainer – A & S Freedman
Stuck on reasonably well against Zaaki in the Q22 during the Brisbane Winter Carnival, and resumed nicely in the JRA Cup last start over the 2040m. Always goes well at The Heath and is a specialist at this distance, could be included in exotics to run second.
2. Zaaki (4) – $1.26
Jockey – Craig Williams
Trainer – Annabel Neasham
All signs are pointing towards a procession here, with just a question of how many lengths Zaaki is to win by. Zaaki’s formidable form resulted in just five rivals lining up against him, and none of them are really here as a Grand Final. Zaaki should win and do it comfortably; it’s just a matter of if your bank is big enough to take such a short price! You can confidently include in multiples, and move onto other races on the day.
ZAAKI WINS THE GROUP 1 UNDERWOOD STAKES.
Thoughts on the win? pic.twitter.com/WTrSOORXkm
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 25, 2021
3. Nonconformist (3) – $19
Jockey – Jordy Childs
Trainer – Graeme Begg
This talented stayer has completed his first goal of the preparation, booking a place in the Caulfield Cup with his impressive win in the Naturalism Stakes last outing. This looks to be a tick over run to ensure he hits the Caulfield Cup in peak condition next week, not enthused here.
4. Nickajack Cave (5) – $67
Jockey – Luke Nolen
Trainer – Peter Moody
Talented international who was brought out here last year as a Cups horse but was unable to secure a run. This looks a mighty tough first up run having not been seen since April, with a tilt at the Cups surely on the agenda. You would think connections just want to see this galloper hit the line nicely, not here to win.
5. Probabeel (1) – $6.50
Jockey – Brett Prebble
Trainer – Jamie Richards
Was brave coming second to Zaaki in the Underwood Stakes last outing, and will be hoping for a similar result here. There have to be questions asked about how much she likes the 2000m, but she’s probably the most likely second horse here.
6. No Effort (6) – $51
Jockey – Beau Mertens
Trainer – Gavin Bedggood
Will provide some nuisance value up front and will probably ensure this race is run at a solid tempo, but she’s a very limited galloper compared to these and will be a road block late.
Final Say
All signs point towards a victory to Zaaki, though with No Effort setting the pace and Homesman in the field, he may have to work a little more than in the Underwood Stakes.
Zaaki should be winning but the price is very short, you can include him in multiples with confidence and sink your teeth into the other Group 1s on the day.
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our Caulfield Guineas page for all your punting needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of Sportsbet.