Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby dissects the Group 1 meeting at Caulfield
COURIER-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby runs his ruler over the meeting at Caulfield on Saturday.
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COURIER-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby runs his ruler over the meeting at Caulfield on Saturday.
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THE EARLY OIL: CAULFIELD
ANALYSIS: SATURDAY BEST WITH RAY AND DUFF
RACE 3: LE PINE FUNERALS HCP
1.30pm, Open (1100m)
In the run: Hard Stride holds his spot on the inside and Craftiness comes across to either lead or sit outside him. Sea Lord and Kuro likely to be working early. Durendal gets gun trail.
Take note: Sabatini was dynamic first-up last preparation and is drawn to get a soft run before unleashing off the back of the genuine tempo for Kerrin McEvoy.
Did you know: Durendal is a half-brother to high-class sprinters Flamberge and Sunburnt Land, who both kept getting better as their careers progressed. Announced his arrival through the autumn and doesn’t have to improve too much on that for this.
Early money: One-way traffic for Craftiness, who opened $3.70 but now finds himself into $2.50 with UBET.
Nathan’s tip: Sabatini $5.50
Nathan’s danger: Durendal $11
RACE 7: UNDERWOOD STAKES
4.05pm, Group 1 SWFA (1800m)
In the run: Noel Callow on The Cleaner ensures it will be genuinely run and Hi World should be able to slot across and get a trail behind him. Mourinho may also take a spot. Fawkner gets the gun trail.
Take note: Volkstok’n’barrell and Mongolian Khan fit the Underwood profile of being four-year-olds who won classic-type races the previous season. Both should appreciate the solid clip from The Cleaner.
Did you know: Fawkner is trying to join Horses of the Year Weekend Hussler and Northerly in completing the Makybe-Underwood double. That pair are the only Makybe winners to win another spring race in the past 15 years.
Early money: Fawkner is in from $3.80. Contributer on the drift with UBET, but has firmed back again elsewhere.
Nathan’s tip: Fawkner $3.50
Nathan’s danger: Mongolian Khan $9.50
RACE 8: SIR RUPERT CLARKE STAKES
4.45pm, Group 1 (1400m)
In the run: Hot speed, with Charmed Harmony joined at the front end by Strawberry Boy and possibly Rich Enuff. Gregers won’t be far away either.
Take note: Disposition and Stratum Star clashed in the autumn, with Disposition just having the better of him. Barrier favours him on paper, but Stratum Star will have plenty of time to wind up out wide.
Did you know: Double-digit draws haven’t been a hindrance in this race, having supplied 15 of the past 30 winners and four of the past seven. Two of Stratum Star’s jockey Craig Williams’ four wins in the race were off gate 12.
Early money: Under The Louvre was available at $16 in all-in betting and has firmed again from $7.50 to $5.50 since the final field was declared.
Nathan’s tip: Disposition $3.80
Nathan’s danger: Stratum Star $7.50
RACE 9: THE CUP CLUB HCP
5.20pm, Open (1700m)
In the run: Jacquinot Bay lands right there, but Kenjorwood should cross him and run along, as that is when he is most effective. Takenja and Extra Noble next in running.
Take note: Zebrinz finished in front of He Or She in the Charmed Harmony race and both have run well in different races since. Zebrinz looks ready to peak up to1700m here, while He Or She gets 2kg turnaround on Iggimacool.
Did you know: Takenja was being considered for an Underwood Stakes start, but Mick Price opted for this easier option. Did it easily first-up in Australia in lesser grade and extra trip suits.
Early money: Iggimacool best tried and holds down favouritism narrowly from the well-tried Takenja. Zebrinz is in from double figures.
Nathan’s tip: Zebrinz $8
Nathan’s danger: Takenja $5
Originally published as Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby dissects the Group 1 meeting at Caulfield
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