Monday Racebook: $26 Caulfield Cup contender lays spring foundation

Herald Sun racing writer Gilbert Gardiner runs a rule over Group 1 Underwood Stakes Day at Caulfield.

Herald Sun racing writer Gilbert Gardiner runs a rule over Group 1 Underwood Stakes Day at Caulfield.

FIVE TO FOLLOW

QUE TEMPESTA (unplaced, R7)

Could run a cheeky race in the Caulfield Cup as a $26 chance currently with Ladbrokes. Settled midfield last Saturday in the MRC Foundation Cup and improved between horses but took the home bend a bit awkwardly, lugging off the track a fraction. Balanced up again after a stride or three and worked to the line nicely against the race shape. Four of the first five around the turn fought out the finish. Liked FANCY MAN (unplaced) also, first-up for 11-months and posted wide without cover. Should only benefit from the pipe opener.

ANOTHER WIL (1st, R5)

He could be anything this horse and has the Group 1 Toorak Handicap at his mercy. Nobody would begrudge Another Wil for running second or third last Saturday at Caulfield after being crunched along the inside rail 300m from home and yet he brushed off the heavy contact to win by more than a length and largely under his own steam.

COCO SUN (unplaced, R8)

The South Australian Derby-winner performed solidly in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes last Saturday without ever being a serious threat despite a late market rally. Coco Sun settled next to last after being a half a stride slow out of the barriers, travelled behind the winner BUCKAROO and in front of surprise runner-up HUETOR, which bumped into her at the 200m. Flemington is going to be her happy place in the spring.

READ: Melham makes right move in Prelude victory

REY MAGNERIO (3rd, R6)

Caught chasing a long way from home as leader and eventual runner-up ASHFORD STREET, ridden a treat by apprentice jockey Jaylah Kennedy, gave the field something to catch. Took a mighty effort from JIMMYSSTAR to win and Rey Magnerio finished just as well. The five-year-old gelding has been a model of consistency, won six of 13 starts and placed another four times, so how could you not stick with him?

COMRADE ROSA (unplaced, R10)

Nice effort from back in the field, saved ground towards the inside, but finished strongly to run sixth – beaten 2 ½ lengths. The multiple Listed winner from Queensland was not beaten far first-up at Caulfield either. Should be ready to find her way into the money third up. Liked the way MATERIAL DREAMS (unplaced, R10) finished the race off also from a long way back, hooked widest in the straight and let down nicely.

FORGIVE

FAWKNER PARK (unplaced, R8)

Hmmm. Inconclusive really. First-up and short of best distance but wanted Fawkner Park to finish much better than he did. Raced on the inside part of the track, a possible excuse, but in the following race Caulfield Guineas Prelude winner Angel Capital powered through the same ground. The Group 1 Turnbull Stakes has traditionally been a fork in the road for spring contenders and no different with Fawkner Park in a two weeks’ time.

PLACE DU CARROUSEL (unplaced, R8)

Forget she went around. Lost a shoe on the way to the gates, reshod, but remained agitated pre-race. Jockey Mark Zahra reported the mare made a respiratory noise on pulling up. A post-race examination revealed Place Du Carrousel sustained lacerations to the left hind.

EPIMELES (unplaced, R9)

Not had much luck to start the preparation, clobbered at The Valley first up in traffic and then plain to the line second up at Caulfield but a post-race veterinary check identified mucus in the airway, which may have affected the performance. Put a line through the past two starts.

Originally published as Monday Racebook: $26 Caulfield Cup contender lays spring foundation