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Toorak Handicap runner-by-runner form assessments and selections

Racenet’s Clinton Payne presents his tips and form assessment for each of the runners in Saturday’s Group 1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.

Clinton Payne
3 min read
October 11, 2024 - 5:30AM

The $1 million Toorak Handicap has drawn together a competitive field of middle distance gallopers.

There was a field of 13 runners declared for the 1600m contest. Here is Clinton Payne’s runner-by-runner analysis of every horse set to line up on Saturday.

• Craig aboard Craig for Toorak Handicap tilt

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1 – DESERT LIGHTNING

Former Kiwi that is a Group 1 winner and placegetter at the mile. Showed he’s back to his best when lumping 59.5kg and proving too good in the Sandown Stakes where he was strong through the line. Drops 2.5kg and suited with the extra distance.

VERDICT: Quality galloper that can’t be underestimated.

2 – PERICLES

A mile under handicap conditions – this is his go. He’s been around the mark at weight-for-age in a couple of runs this prep but when dropping back into a handicap two runs back, he was dominant. Did run second in the Doncaster in April.

VERDICT: Genuine contender.

3 – ANTINO

Another suited back into a handicap after performing well but coming up short at weight-for-age in three runs this preparation, behind some of the best in the land. Ran second in this last year, carries an extra kilo this year.

VERDICT: Now without winning claims.

4 – ANOTHER WIL

He’s two from two this preparation and six from seven this year, his only defeat came when midfield in the Doncaster. Looks poorly weighted against the likes of Pericles and Antino based on big race performances but he’s a horse that still has upside. Is barrier 1 a plus or minus?

VERDICT: Must be considered one of the main chances.

5 – LIGHT INFANTRY MAN

Overall, he’s been a disappointment in his four runs since arriving permanently in Australia. Gelded coming into this campaign and after being well backed – $11 into $6.50 – he barely fired a shot. Two wins from 16 starts probably tells you a bit about him.

VERDICT: Don’t think he’s got much desire.

6 – ORCHESTRAL

Quality Kiwi mare that took all before her as a three-year-old filly with Group 1 wins on both sides of the ditch over 200m and beyond. Gave away a big start and was under a ride a long way out first-up, making ground but was never a factor. Unbeaten at the mile and unbeaten second-up.

VERDICT: Too much class to dismiss.

7 – ALSEPHINA

West Aussie mare that is Group 1 placed over this trip in last year’s Railway Stakes. Her two Melbourne runs have been good, the latest a win in the Group 2 Stocks Stakes at The Valley. Excellent figures at 1600m and solid third-up stats.

VERDICT: Not without each-way claims.

8 – BANK MAUR

Led and was brave behind Another Wil first-up then plain on the heavy the following run before bouncing back with a respectable effort behind Desert Lightning in the Sandown Stakes. Two kilos worse off against Desert Lightning here.

VERDICT: One for the First4 players.

9 – CRAIG

Progressive import that stepped out in Stakes grade for the first time in the Sandown Stakes at his latest run and he closed off strongly but couldn’t overhaul Desert Lightning, who meets him 2kg better for beating him a length. Tricky draw to overcome.

VERDICT: Can make an each-way case for him.

10 – JIMMY THE BEAR

Consistent galloper that rarely runs a poor race, but he’s been finding a few better in Stakes company in his past three starts. Races well here and over the mile and drawn to get a decent run.

VERDICT: Genuine but lacks the class to feature in the finish.

11 – MAGNASPIN

Much travelled galloper that’s been to Newcastle, Brisbane, Narrandera and Sandown in his past four starts. His third in the Sandown Stakes was first-up so he’s open to some improvement but he’ll need to be significantly better as he meets Desert Lightning 2kg worse this time.

VERDICT: Drawn to get favours but outclassed here.

12 – OSIPENKO

Has been hitting the line in recent starts. Closed off well for sixth in the Stradbroke before a spell and has got home hard in leader dominated races this prep in the Theo Marks and the Shannon Stakes. Drops sharply in weight and drawn favourably.

VERDICT: The value runner in the race.

13 – WISHLOR LASS

Solid performance when second to Another Wil first-up in the Testa Rossa. Has a solid second-up record, she’s proven at the mile but she is half-a-kilo worse off here against Another Wil.

VERDICT: Smart mare but place is best.

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TIPS
1st – OSIPENKO (No. 12)
2nd – ANTINO (No. 3)
3rd – ANOTHER WIL (No. 4)
4th – PERICLES (No. 2)

Originally published as Toorak Handicap runner-by-runner form assessments and selections

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