‘Clearly the one to beat’: Ratings guru Gary Crispe pumps up Pericles for Group 1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield

Form genius outlines compelling reasons as to why gifted Godolphin galloper Pericles will finally secure an elusive big-race win in Saturday’s Group 1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield.

Pericles, the gifted Godolphin galloper, can finally secure that elusive big-race win in the Group 1 $750,000 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

And top class mares Zougotcha and I Am Me can sweep the two $1m races at Royal Randwick.

The trio have returned lofty Timeform ratings this spring which has prompted form genius Gary Crispe to forecast the feature race success.

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Crispe is particularly keen on Pericles who goes to the Underwood in brilliant form after a runaway win in the So You Think Stakes at The Valley.

Trained by James Cummings, Pericles has earned nearly $4m prizemoney during his 20-starts career but he could have won significantly more if not for a series of near-misses at the top level, most notably his second placings in the Golden Eagle as well as three Group 1 races – the Doncaster Mile, Futurity Stakes and Rosehill Guineas.

“Pericles is an underestimated horse,” Crispe said.

“But he is a talent as he showed last start with a dynamic win at The Valley, returning a 119 figure.

Pericles makes easy work of the field in the So You Think Stakes! 👏@blake_shinn for James Cummings pic.twitter.com/43OKhJmlxN

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 7, 2024

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“There is good speed in the Underwood, Pericles should be able to camp in behind them and with even luck in running, he’s clearly the one to beat.

“Place Du Carrousel is the main danger. She is resuming but all her best form is at her first or second runs from a spell including her second in the Ranvet Stakes behind Via Sistina last autumn.

“Buckaroo is a horse going the right way, he’s coming off a good win in the Chelmsford Stakes and should run well again.”

Crispe predicted a Chris Waller quinella from the trainer’s outstanding mares, Zougotcha and Fangirl, in the $1m 7 Stakes (1600m).

Fangirl is the $2.25 favourite but Crispe has Zougotcha ($4) on top with his Timeform ratings.

“Zougotcha returned a 119 figure with her close second in the Winx Stakes (Fangirl third) when resuming,” Crispe said.

Via Sistina wins the Winx Stakes! She's in for a MASSIVE Spring 🔥 @[e-mail]/WNpMfXcEAj

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 24, 2024

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“She can only improve with that run and her record over the Randwick 1600m is very good with two of her three Group 1 wins over the course and distance.

“Zougotcha can settle on speed and Fangirl is going to be giving her a start from the turn. Royal Patronage was impressive last start and is one to watch.”

I Am Me ran fast time to win the Concorde Stakes and Crispe envisaged a repeat effort in the Group 2 $1m The Shorts (1100m).

“She looks like getting the same run as last start when she ran a new career peak of 119 winning the Concorde,” Crispe said.

“I expect I Am Me will be too fast again but Private Eye is better suited at 1100m and Our Kobison is an emerging sprinter who ran very well against Joliestar last start.”

Originally published as ‘Clearly the one to beat’: Ratings guru Gary Crispe pumps up Pericles for Group 1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield