Tasmanian raider First Accused eyes Caulfield success

Punters could benefit from a handy form reference on Saturday before First Accused tackles the 1600m Benchmark 100 at Caulfield.

First Accused (white and red jacket) chased home the impressive Shock 'Em Ova last start at Caulfield. Picture: Brett Holburt / Racing Photos

Punters could benefit from a handy form reference on Saturday before First Accused tackles the 1600m Benchmark 100 at Caulfield.

The Tasmanian, a $19 chance with TAB on Saturday, absorbed a wide run with cover and got through shifty ground last start at Caulfield when second to Shock Em Ova.

Shock Em Ova is a $3.50 favourite at Eagle Farm on Saturday in the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup (1800m) – scheduled to start about two hours before First Accused’s race at Caulfield.

While trainer Glenn Stevenson is happy to fly under the radar on Saturday, the Tasmanian remains on track and weather watch.

“He was never on the bridle, he was never really comfortable on the track,” Stevenson said.

“Once he balanced up and straightened he let down, we’re supposed to get a little bit of rain but I’m hoping it’s not real bad, a nice (Soft) 5 (track rating) I’d be happy.

“It was only a Soft 6 the other day but it was a shifty Soft 6 … to be honest it was like jumps racing, I’d never seen so many races on a city meeting with such big gaps between horses.”

Shock 'Em Ova goes BANG from last! 💥

What a return to the races by the @AlexRaeRacing-trained galloper! ⭐️ @Yendall21pic.twitter.com/7tHEUgJhGW

— Racing.com (@Racing) May 11, 2024

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Jockey Codi Jordan nailed the brief on First Accused last start, wide with cover and use the outside section of the track in the straight.

Similar tactics could be deployed on Saturday from barrier nine should conditions suit.

“If he travels right and everything goes to plan he’ll run a good race,” Stevenson said.

“He’s won over 1600m before, I’ve got him fit, his bloods are good, we just need a bit of luck and cover in running and we should be in the best part of the track late in the day.

“We could end up in a nice spot, it doesn’t worry being wide, but wide with cover, we don’t want to be fifth or six facing the breeze, we’ll ride our own race and try and find a spot midfield, which will be perfect.”

St Lawrence is a $2.60 favourite with TAB for the 1600m race from Highlights ($6), Pounding ($6.50) and Jimmy The Bear ($6.50).

First Accused (Turffontein x Keep On Talking {USA}) gets the run of the rail and claims the Listed Tasmanian S. for Glenn Stevenson @TasracingAus Hobart 🤌🏻

A $16k @mmsnippets Tasmanian Yearling Sale graduate for his breeder @MotreeTasmania, this marks his ninth win, taking his… pic.twitter.com/hTNahySbL3

— TTR AusNZ (@TTRAusNZ) December 29, 2023

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First Accused, who has won nine of 32 starts and placed a further 17 times, has raced on the mainland three times, including a second at Caulfield in 2022.

He placed fourth in the Listed Wangoom Handicap last year at Warrnambool.

First Accused departed Devenport on Wednesday night.

With limited options on the Apple Isle during the winter months, Stevenson said Saturday’s performance could result in the multiple Listed winner being relocated to Melbourne.

“If he happens to win we might have to look at leaving him over there,” Stevenson said.

“It’s not ideal to be travelling all the time, it’s something we’ll look at, we’ll do the best by the horse.”

Originally published as Tasmanian raider First Accused eyes Caulfield success