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Runner-by-runner guide for the Group 1 C.F Orr Stakes at Caulfield

Nine horses have accepted for the Group 1 C.F Orr Stakes and we’ve analysed the chances of every runner.

Jett Hatton
3 min read
February 7, 2024 - 2:25PM
The Mr Brightside team is shooting for another Group 1 win. Picture: Getty Images
The Mr Brightside team is shooting for another Group 1 win. Picture: Getty Images

The 2024 edition of the Group 1 C.F Orr Stakes has attracted nine runners with superstar galloper Mr Brightside set to return.

Here is our analysis, and top four selections, of every horse set to line-up in Caulfield’s 1400m contest.

1 - MR BRIGHTSIDE

Deadset superstar and he’ll be out to add another big race win to his resume here. Flies around Caulfield having won three of four, he’s got a massive class edge on this field and the barrier draw has done his chances no harm.

Verdict: Incredibly hard to beat.

2 - PERICLES

Had a super spring campaign that was somewhat interrupted after being forced to withdraw from the Epsom Handicap. Finished it off with a narrow runner up finish to Japan’s Obamburumai in the Golden Eagle and history suggests it takes a very good horse to finish in the top three of that race. Has a super record first-up (3:2-0-0) and at the distance (5:3-1-0) but this is his first go around Caulfield.

Verdict: Right in the mix.

3 - MUNHAMEK

Delivered Damien Oliver a fairytale finish when turning in a super run at his last start before a spell. It was a super win but he was found out at his only try at Group 1 level and that was in a handicap. This is a whole different task against genuine Group 1 performers at weight-for-age level.

Verdict: Not here.

4 - BUSTLER

Group 1 winner of the Railway Stakes over Ascot’s carnival and raced well at his two subsequent starts. Similar to Munhamek, competing under the weight-for-age scale gives him little chance of winning this.

Verdict: Looks outclassed.

5 - BUFFALO RIVER

As Buffalo River does, he’ll be rolling forward and likely to be in a speed battle for the lead with Pride Of Jenni. He’s an eight-year-old now but has showed little signs of slowing down, returning with a second behind Ayrton. Has placed the once in eight tries at Group 1 level but I could envision him running fourth or fifth.

Verdict: Place at the very best.

6 - AYRTON

Hasn’t lived up to the hype he promised early on, but it was a strong win first-up at this track and distance. He’s won six times from seven starts at Caulfield. No doubt has improved this preparation, but he’s got to level up again if he’s going to trouble the likes of Mr Brightside and barrier eight of nine doesn’t help. What does help is he’s got a fitness edge on most of his rivals.

Verdict: Will run well.

7 - ATISHU

Had a super spring campaign that culminated in Group 1 glory via the Champions Stakes. Does love the 1400m (7:4-1-0) but she’s a horse that generally improves later into the preparation but I expect her to still run well here.

Verdict: Place chance.

8 - PRIDE OF JENNI

Caught them napping in her two Group 1 wins on Cup week, the latest when Mr Brightside and Alligator Blood in the Champions Mile. Is winless from six first-up efforts and with Buffalo River engaged, I’m certain she won’t get the lead all on her own.

Verdict: Have a few ahead of her.

9 - VEIGHT

The youngster up against the big guns and three-year-olds have performed well in recent times with Jacquinot winning last year while Alabama Express took out the 2020 edition. Strong win first-up at The Valley which suggested he’s in for a big campaign. Likely to get the gun run from barrier two with Damian Lane in the saddle and he’ll improve out to 1400m. Did put in a flat run second-up off a big win last campaign which is my main concern.

Verdict: In the mix.

TIPS

1 - MR BRIGHTSIDE

2 - PERICLES

3 - VEIGHT

4 - ATISHU

Originally published as Runner-by-runner guide for the Group 1 C.F Orr Stakes at Caulfield

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/horse-racing/vic-racing/runnerbyrunner-guide-for-the-group-1-cf-orr-stakes-at-caulfield/news-story/5b2d9d1f92ff3ca57f75e084c5dbe85e